Bonds; authorize issuance to assist City of Jackson with purchase of a fire truck.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1713 would create a special fund within the State Treasury known as the '2022 City of Jackson Fire Truck Fund.' This fund would be maintained separately from the general state fund and would not lapse at the end of fiscal years, allowing any unspent amounts to remain available for their intended purpose. The funds deposited would be disbursed under the discretion of the Department of Finance and Administration, emphasizing state support for local safety measures. Additionally, the bonds would be considered general obligations of the state, thereby tying the state's full faith and credit to the repayment of the bonds.
Summary
House Bill 1713 is legislation intended to provide funding for the City of Jackson, Mississippi, aimed specifically at assisting in the purchase of a new fire truck and related foam system apparatus. The bill authorizes the issuance of state general obligation bonds, which would allow the city to cover the associated costs of this necessary procurement. With a total authorization not to exceed $940,000.00, this financial mechanism is designed to ensure that the city can effectively enhance its firefighting capabilities and overall public safety infrastructure.
Contention
While the bill appears beneficial for enhancing local public safety, there could be potential contention regarding the allocation of state resources and prioritization of funding. Questions may arise regarding the sustainability of funding such capital projects through bond issuances. Furthermore, discussions around this bill might highlight the importance of ensuring that state funding mechanisms effectively address the needs of various local governments and their specific public safety challenges.
Local governments capital improvements revolving loan program; revise definition of "capital improvements", extend repealer on MDA authority to use certain funds for expenses.