Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Southaven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget
Health & property insurance renewals at flat rates
The city kept health premiums flat with Blue Cross Blue Shield and renewed its property/casualty policy with Travelers at nearly the same price. That's rare in this insurance market and protects the budget from a big hit.
FY27 Budget and Tax Millage
The city's proposed FY27 budget grows to $130M with 5% citywide pay raises, 6% raises for police and fire, a new $360K ambulance, and street resurfacing boosted to $7.5M — all with no millage rate increase. Formal adoption comes September 8.
2026-2027 Budget Workshop
A balanced budget proposal goes before the board Thursday, August 6 at 9:30 a.m., with every department head presenting. Your chance to see where tax dollars go.
Relocating east-side fuel pumps for $750,000
The city has to vacate its old fuel pump site and will spend $750,000 building new pumps off Freeman Lane near the park maintenance shop.
Emergency $275,000 server replacement
The city's main computer server is due for replacement, and AI-driven demand is pushing prices up roughly $25,000 a month — so the board rushed a $275,000 emergency purchase.
Landscaping contract costs
The board balked at paying roughly $30,000 a year to maintain the Hummingbird Garden and tabled a $7,250/month Premier Lawn and Turf amendment for medians and right-of-ways, directing staff to get exact scope and cost details and look at doing some work in-house.
Tax abatements for three distribution companies
The city granted ten-year tax breaks totaling over $71 million in property value for Hormel Foods, DHL Supply Chain, and MG88 Memphis Distribution — three entities sharing one building. The county economic development council and supervisors recommended them.
Critical event pay for storm-working city crews
The mayor publicly thanked public works (running six plow units 18 hours a day), police, fire, EMS, facilities, and utilities staff for around-the-clock work during the winter storm.
Short-term rentals taxed as hotels
Under new state law (Senate Bill 2805), short-term rentals booked through platforms like VRBO and Airbnb will pay the same hotel taxes as traditional lodging in Southaven and DeSoto County.
DeSoto County CVB tourism-tax reform
The board backed a push to send half of each city's restaurant-tax revenue back to that city and to give cities seats on the CVB board — currently all county appointees. The mayor framed it as cities standing up to the county, while Hoots wanted more detail first.