[7/8/03]The total value of real estate and personal property for Warren County is up 4.4 percent from last year, but county officials said it’s too early to tell if a tax increase is likely.

County administrator Rick Polk said the total value does not provide enough information, and it is too soon to tell if county supervisors would raise taxes.

In 2003, the total true value of property is $2.6 billion, up $109 million from the previous year.

Real estate property includes residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural property. Personal property, mainly businesses, is a tax based on the value of machinery, equipment, fixtures, furniture or inventory on the property.

The increase in value does not mean the board of supervisors will increase taxes, said Rick Holland, Warren County tax assessor. But, he said, the value is something the board of supervisors will study to help determine where the millage rate will be set.

Holland said the increase can be attributed to the construction of houses and industries being added to the tax rolls, including River Region Medical Center. The medical center opened its $123 million facility on U.S. 61 North in February 2002. This is the first year it has appeared on the tax rolls.

The millage rate must be set before the board of supervisors finishes the budget in September, which determines how much taxpayers will have to pay. Tax bills are mailed in December and include city, county and school taxes.

In other matters, the board:

Approved partial tax exemptions for Yorozu Automotive Mississippi and Graham Packaging Company, L.P. The agreements are for 10 years, and the companies will continue to pay state and local school taxes.

Approved selling 10 acres of property at Ceres Research and Industrial Interplex to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Approved six driveway permits and a temporary easement.

Approved naming an access road to Willow Break Hunting Club near the Yazoo County Line Duck Road, and approved naming a new road that runs near Green Hill Road near Mississippi 80 Flying Angel Drive.

Received an update from Herbert Scott with the Department of Human Services regarding personnel, budget and security matters.