Bonds; authorize issuance to assist City of Baldwyn with purchase fire fighting and fire protection equipment.
Impact
The bill establishes a special fund, the '2024 City of Baldwyn Fire Department Fund,' which will be managed separately from the state’s General Fund. The total amount of bonds that may be issued under this act cannot exceed $103,195 and must be utilized solely for the intended purpose of purchasing fire equipment. This funding mechanism is intended to enable the fire department to modernize its capabilities, thereby improving public safety and potentially reducing fire-related incidents.
Summary
House Bill 88 authorizes the issuance of state general obligation bonds to provide funding specifically to assist the City of Baldwyn, Mississippi, in acquiring fire fighting and fire protection equipment. This bill aims to support the city's efforts to enhance its fire services by equipping the fire department with essential tools and equipment necessary for effective fire response and safety. The legislation lays out a framework for how the bonds will be issued, including the limitations on amounts and the process for disbursing the funds to the city.
Contention
Although the text does not indicate specific points of contention, the allocation of state resources for local fire departments often raises discussions about funding priorities and the equitable distribution of resources among various municipalities. There could be concerns regarding whether all cities have equal access to such financing through state bonds and if priority is given to areas with greater need or higher risk of fire hazards.
Local governments capital improvements revolving loan program; revise definition of "capital improvements", extend repealer on MDA authority to use certain funds for expenses.