From staff reports

Louisville residents will have a chance to voice their concerns over an increase in ad valorem taxes on Sept. 7. The Louisville Board of Aldermen voted to an increase in the millage rate during an Aug. 17 recess meeting.

The board voted to increase the millage rate by 1 mill, from 13.30 mills to 14.30 mills. The increase will result in an increase in ad valorem taxes on homes, automobile tags, utilities, business fixtures and equipment and rental real property.

The board voted 2-2 on the increase, with Mayor Louis Taunton breaking the tie. Ward 1 Alderman Daniel "Moe" Yarbrough and Alderman-at-large Giles Ward voted against the increase. Ward four Alderman Eugene Crosby was not present during 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. budget discussions.

Ward Two alderwoman Judy McLeod motioned for the increase due to her concerns for the city maintaining proper police, fire protection and other services.

The increase is pending a public hearing, scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 7 in the City Hall Board Room. The increase when in effect would add about $30,000 to the city's revenues.

The board also discussed the city's proposed budget for the 2004 fiscal year. Board members examined and re-examined budget items in an effort to find somewhere to cut costs. The board eliminated all unnecessary travel expenses. All travel for conferences and training not needed for certification would not be paid for by the city. The board also cut out any raises for the Board of Aldermen and city clerk.

In the regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m., the board denied a hearing requesting rezoning of residential property on East Main Street, but proposed a variance allowing dentists, antique shops and other like businesses to operate in residentially-zoned areas, pending petition and approval of the board. The variance would allow businesses that fit the identified sector and definitions of the ordinance to locate in homes in residential neighborhoods under petition or appeal to the board.

In other business, the board:

€ Heard a report on an unclean property;

€ Accepted bids for surplus property;

€ Declared as surplus or junk any fixed assets;

€ Made payment to Watkins, Ward and Stafford for professional services;

€ Made payment to Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for professional services related to the airport;

€ Made payment to the East Mississippi Tourism Council;

€ Reviewed a lease resolution for a landfill dozer;

€ Hired a police secretary;

€ Heard a request for five volunteer firefighters to attend the Fire Academy for volunteer certification and

€ Heard a request to add three new volunteer firefighters.