By Rupert Howell

A three-year $1.85 million technology plan was approved and tax levies for the district’s bonded indebtedness were reviewed by South Panola School trustees during their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 18.

The technology plan came in the form of a 40-page proposal and included goals, standards, implementation and funding sources with local income being combined with state, federal and E-Rate funds. E-rate funds are fees paid by all telephone consumers and distributed to schools and libraries.

District technology director Jay Sandlin explained that E-rate funds pay up to 86% of the school’s internet access as well as TelCom services and wireless connections.

Sandlin also explained that the three-year plan is similar to the current plan used by the district and is a requirement for receiving E-rate funds.

Financial director Suzanne Covington reviewed previous tax millage rates and bond levies used for construction, building maintenance and tax shortfalls notes for when collections do not equal district budget requests.

Although school millage is currently set at 50.90 mills for general operation, she predicted it would return to the maximum 55 mills with the loss of LSP Energy on the tax roll.

The local power generation facility was sold to a non-profit entity, South Mississippi Electric Power Association, which is exempt from paying county ad valorem taxes.

The facility was valued at $30 million on the tax rolls prior to the sale which would indicate a worth of $200 million as commercial property is valued at 15%.

The facility sold for a reported $280 million in bankruptcy court late last year.

Mississippi’s District 10 Senator Steve Hale has introduced legislation that would put the facility back on the tax rolls at a lower rate and facility’s new owner has offered a cash payment of approximately $2 million. (Please see related story this issue.)

Millage rates and bond payments came about as some of the trustees hint of the possibility of bond issue for upcoming construction.

Trustee Buddy Gray who is serving his second year at that post was told that long range plans are usually decided during budget talks in May, “But if we got money for buildings we can start talking anytime,” trustee Lygunnah Bean added.