Ridgeland council adopts FY2026 budget and raises millage within state cap

Summary

Council approved the FY2026 operating and enterprise budgets and established a property tax levy that represents a 2.9% millage increase (noted as a 4.4-mill cap per state statute in the discussion); council said the increase keeps the town competitive with neighboring jurisdictions while supporting services.

The Town of Ridgeland approved the fiscal year 2026 operating and enterprise budgets and adopted a property tax levy, including a millage increase the council described as 2.9 percent and noted it was within the state millage cap.

Town staff presented comparisons showing the change for a sample $200,000 assessed home, reporting an estimated annual tax increase of $70.12 under the proposed levy. Staff also compared Ridgeland’s combined taxes and rates with nearby jurisdictions to show relative position.

Council members said the increase was necessary to maintain services and to remain competitive in staffing and service levels; staff noted the town’s ISO-3 fire rating and potential future improvements. Several council members said they reviewed the budget in workshops before the vote.

A motion to adopt the FY2026 budget and establish the 2025 tax levy passed on second reading. Council discussed that the town would continue to monitor comparative tax and utility burdens in the region.