OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE OXFORD MAYOR AND COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING
MONDAY, August 3, 2020 – 7:00 PM
VIA TELECONFERENCE AND BROADCAST AT CITY HALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: David Eady, Mayor; Councilmembers: Jeff Wearing, Laura McCanless, George Holt, James Windham
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Avis Williams, Lynn BohananStaff/Appointed members present: City Manager Matt Pepper, City Clerk/Treasurer Marcia Brooks, City Attorney David Strickland, Associate Clerk Melissa Pratt, Utilities Superintendent Jody Reid, Police Chief Dave Harvey
OTHERS PRESENT: Art Vinson, Laurie Vinson, Michael McQuaide, Rev. Charlie Williams (Mt. Zion First Baptist Church), Dr. Laklieshia Izzard, Laura Gafnea (Oxford College), Barbara Cole, Monique Carter, Tom Spigolon (Covington News)
The public hearing was called to order at 7:02 PM by the Hon. David Eady, Mayor. Mayor Eady stated that the City is proposing the same millage rate as the previous three years. Keeping the millage rate the same as previous years results in a tax increase due to increased property valuations in 2020.
Art Vinson asked if it is possible to discern the effect of the property tax increase on the number of taxable units and the increase in their value. Mayor Eady explained the 5-year history which shows the changes over the past five years. In 2020 the gross digest increased by about $2 million dollars. Net taxes levied increased by $13,642 which is an increase of 10.56% over 2019.
James Windham asked if the effect on the median property value for Oxford is known. George Holt stated there should be an across-the-board increase of 10.56% on every property in Oxford.
Jeff Wearing made a motion to adjourn the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. George Holt seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously 5/0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Marcia Brooks
City Clerk/Treasurer