Special Board of Aldermen meeting held yesterday

A special meeting between Mayor George C. Patterson and the Board of Aldermen was held yesterday to discuss tax assessments and hear budget presentations by the Oxford Convention Center and Visitors Bureau.

The meeting began with Martha Thornton, Lafayette County tax collector and assessor, explaining the tax assessments. She said that the assessments are every four years.

When asked about how these appraisals affect the poor, she said, “You aren’t appraising people, you’re appraising property.”

These appraisals will determine the value of each resident’s home, and each person pays a property tax based on their home’s value.

The board also listened to a proposal made by the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau about the 2011 budget. They proposed an increase in money for the community grants, and Mayor Patterson immediately supported the increase.

The Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau also asked the board for an increase in the budget for more tourist sites.

One of these sites was the Lamar House Museum. The Bureau proposed a $28,000 increase in funds for the museum to help maintain and open the house for tours a few days a week.