Lauderdale County supervisors on Monday adopted a budget for the upcoming 2027 Fiscal Year as the total valuation of property rises. The total assessed value of property in the county topped $848.3 million, rising more than $16.8 million over last year’s numbers.
For the upcoming fiscal year, which starts October 1, 2026, and runs through September 30, 2027, Lauderdale County expects to bring in approximately $68.9 million, with the largest portion ($39.5 million) coming from tax revenue.
Ad valorem tax revenue increased 1.4% ($1.8 million) over the previous fiscal year, and grants from both state and federal sources also grew. Overall revenue increased more than $7.3 million over FY26.
Lauderdale County departments are budgeted to spend $78.3 million in FY27, with the largest two expenses being public works and public safety. Roads, bridges and garbage expenses are projected at $24.6 million, while the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, Detention Center, E-911 and Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency will have combined expenses of $19.1 million. General government expenses such as the courts, administration, tax assessor and tax collector are the next highest expenditure at $18 million.
The county will spend less paying down debt than in previous years at $7.8 million, or $1.1 million less than FY26. The reduction is due to a bond being paid off, as well as the Board of Supervisors working to reduce the county’s overall debt.
Supervisor Josh Todd, who serves as board president, said the Board of Supervisors has not issued new bonds in the last two terms. Previously boards traditionally issued a $10 million bond to pave roads and fix bridges each board term, which run four years. The problem, Todd said, is that it takes 10-15 years to pay off those bonds, while the work they fund doesn’t last that long.
Overall, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is similar to the previous year, Todd said. Taxes are not increasing, and departments will see similar funding levels. As a board, he said, supervisors have worked hard to make sure the county is living within its means.
Lauderdale County looks to see revenues rise dramatically in the near future as the Compass Datacenter’s project moves forward in the I-20/59 industrial park. A fee-in-leu agreement with the company is expected to generate significant revenue for the county, city of Meridian and Lauderdale County School District in the next few years.
Todd said the funds will go a long way in tackling outstanding needs throughout the county and providing more for Lauderdale County residents.
“It is going to be life-changing, not only for this sitting board but for boards in the future,” he said. “It’s going to be where we won’t have needs. We’ll have wants.”