A rose to Starkville and the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors for joining an incentive program that may help bring new businesses to the county. The Growth and Prosperity Program (GAP) is designed to encourage economic development in areas with high poverty rates. The data shows Oktibbeha County meets those requirements to join the program. The county will now join Clay County, West Point and Lowndes County in the program, which allows new businesses with 10 employees or more, and existing businesses that expand by at least 10 jobs, a full exemption on state income and franchise taxes, as well as a majority exemption on sales and ad valorem property taxes for 10 years. Competition for new business is always difficult, especially for areas where there are high rates of poverty. We applaud the supervisors, and the assistance provided by the Golden Triangle Development LINK for adding this tool to the county’s economic development efforts.
A rose to the Columbus City Council for the manner in which it is addressing a proposed update in the city’s noise ordinance. In recent months, complaints by residents near entertainment venues that feature live music has prompted the city to consider updating its ordinance. Equipped with new equipment that can measure noise levels, the tentative proposal calls for an ordinance that would allow varying noise levels based on zoning. The plan is based on a noise ordinance recently adopted by the city of Oxford. We like the idea that the city recognizes that a “one size fits all” ordinance may create its own problems. We also applaud the city for its plans to publish the proposed ordinance and hold a public hearing so that citizens can weigh in, especially since it will affect some businesses. These ordinances are always tricky, so the more discussion the better in crafting an ordinance that is far to both businesses and residents.
A rose to a new nonprofit for its efforts to address homelessness in Starkville and Oktibbeha County. “The Village,’’ founded as a committee by the Starkville Strong community group, wants to repurpose the old West Oktibbeha County High School into a transitional housing facility for those who may have lost their homes or have found it difficult to locate affordable housing in an area where low-income housing is becoming a serious concern. The group has approached the county board of supervisors with a suggestion that the county devote American Rescue Plan Act money to cover the cost of retro-fitting the old school so that it can be used for housing. It’s a great use of the old school, one that if successful will address a serious need in the community. We applaud The Village for their efforts in bringing this idea forward.w
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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