Video: Oktibbeha County Electors to Vote on $13.2 Million Bond Issue

[syndicaster id=’5580691′]

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — A $13.2 million bond issue in Oktibbeha County will be put before the voters. More than enough signatures calling for an election have been certified for a county vote.

The bond money would fund improvements and facilities in the newly consolidated Starkville and Oktibbeha County School District. The legislature approved an increase in taxes for people owning property in Oktibbeha County residents, and that’s the reason residents started the petition. Circuit Court Clerk Glenn Hamilton says his staff has certified 2,041 signatures; 668 signatures were rejected.

More than 1,500 were needed to call for the referendum. Hamilton today delivered the signatures to Oktibbeha County School Superintendent Marge Pulley.

“In all likelihood, she will be discussing the matter with the state board and come to a decision on how they want to proceed with it,” Hamilton said. “She will inform me. I will work with her as best I can. I am sure there will be no problem setting an election date and moving forward with an election.”

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is working on a reverse petition. GSDP, along with Starkville school supporters want to convince some people who signed the petition to remove their name.

Today, they learned 507 people will have to withdraw their signatures to make a difference. Supporters say the bonds are critical to the long-term success of the merged districts.

They fear if it goes to a vote, it won’t receive the 60-percent majority needed to pass.