The Leflore County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved a tax exemption for a house at 504 E. Washington St. to be occupied by T. Mac Howard, founder and leader of Delta Streets Academy.
Howard and attorney Walker Sturdivant appeared before the board to make the request seeking exemption from property taxation.
Sturdivant indicated that a key employee of Delta Streets will live in the home initially, Bible study classes will be held there and the home will be used for fundraising events and board meetings for the private Christian school.
Howard and his family plan to move into the home, according to a letter submitted to the board by Sturdivant.
“The home will clearly be used as an integral part of the operation of Delta Streets Academy and qualifies for tax exempt status under Mississippi Code,” the letter said.
The amended code states that all property, real or personal, belonging to an individual, institution or corporation and used for the operation of a grammar school, junior high school, high school or military school is eligible for exemption.
Attorney Joyce Chiles told the board she had reviewed the statute and found that Delta Streets’ request met its requirements.
The assessed value of the home is in the $120,000 range, according to Tax Assessor Leroy Ware, and it will be totally exempt from property taxation according to the board’s vote, although Chiles indicated the board could approve a partial exemption instead.
District 2 Supervisor Robert Moore raised the question of whether a religious school met the state’s statutory requirements, but he voted to approve anyway, saying he would discuss the matter further with the tax assessor.
Supervisors also discussed a possible zoning change for Grenada Boulevard beyond the railroad tracks that demarcate city limits and Grenada Boulevard Extended on the east side of Highway 7. Engineer Shane Correro told supervisors several residents of the area wanted to be able to place mobile homes on their lots, requiring a zoning change from R-2 to R-3.
District 1 Supervisor Sam Abraham said individuals up to now have been required to appear before the board on a case-by-case basis to receive approval for a zoning change.
District 3 Supervisor Anjuan Brown and Moore said they would agree to disburse information to residents of their districts to make them aware of the request for a change in zoning, and would advertise a public hearing before any action is taken.
In other county business:
•Supervisors approved application for a Courthouse Energy Conservation Project grant that would help pay to switch out all light fixtures in the courthouse with energy-saving bulbs.
•Greenwood Leflore Hospital CEO Jim Jackson, accompanied by several board members, reported to supervisors in executive session. Chiles said that during executive session the board discussed contracts and hospital personnel and no action was taken.
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
