Mississippi House Bill HB1956

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/3/25
• Failed: 4/3/25

Caption

City of Verona; authorize the levying of an additional special sales tax for water and sewer infrastructure.

Impact

If enacted, HB1956 would allow the City of Verona to directly manage additional tax revenue generation, which could significantly aid in upgrading and maintaining essential public utilities. The funds raised from this special sales tax could be explicitly used for water and sewer infrastructure improvements, which are crucial for supporting population growth and enhancing public health. By guaranteeing that these revenues are utilized solely for designated infrastructure improvements, the bill ensures that taxpayers have a tangible benefit from the new tax.

Summary

House Bill 1956 is a legislative proposal from the Mississippi Legislature that aims to authorize the City of Verona to impose a special sales tax. This tax would be set at a maximum of one-fourth of one percent on gross sales or gross income from businesses engaged in activities taxable at a rate of 7% or more under the Mississippi Sales Tax Law. The bill stipulates that this special sales tax can only be enacted upon approval by at least 60% of voters in a dedicated election, enhancing local control over revenue generation. The primary purpose of this proposed tax is to fund water and sewer infrastructure projects within the city.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB1956 may arise regarding the implications of introducing an additional local sales tax. Critics might argue that implementing a new tax could place a financial burden on residents and businesses operating within Verona, especially if the tax is perceived to be excessive or mismanaged. Supporters may counter that the focused purpose of the tax—as it relates to essential infrastructure—justifies the additional tax burden. Moreover, the requirement for voter approval aims to mitigate concerns around government overreach and ensure community consensus on tax initiatives.