LB alderman wants to look at other options rather than raising taxes

LONG BEACH, MS (WLOX) - Long Beach alderman Leonard Carrubba says he wants all avenues examined before city leaders consider raising taxes. Long Beach Mayor Billie Skellie says it's time to look at providing pay raises to city workers, who haven't gotten one in seven years. The mayor also says the city hasn't raised its millage rate in nearly 20 years.

The mayor says an increase in taxes could also help with capital improvement projects.

"First we need to know how much we are talking about in raises—the scope of this in terms of dollars, and then come up with the method to fund those raises," said Carrubba. "Trying to add taxes to a city that's economically still trying to come back from a storm, may not be the wisest course. I would like to try to accomplish the city's goals without an increased tax burden on our community."

Carubba says he wants to know if cuts can be made to the city's budget to help with pay raises. He also wants to know what Long Beach's finance obligation is to the Harrison County Utility Authority.

The public is invited to the meeting Tuesday, March 24 at city hall. The meeting starts at 5 p.m.

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