Massive Property Tax Hike on Seniors
Oktibbeha property values rise 24.9% after reassessment
County officials say a sharp jump in property values is behind a wave of resident complaints about higher tax bills.
At a Sept. 12 public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, a county administrator identified in meeting records as "Wayne" told the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors that total assessed real property value rose 24.9% following reassessment. He also detailed changes to the homestead exemption available to residents 65 and older, the permanently disabled and disabled veterans, saying, "for tax year 2025, the homestead deduction was $26.9 million. In tax year 2026, the homestead deduction is $41.1 million."
The administrator's remarks came during the millage and assessment portion of the budget presentation. His exact surname could not be confirmed from the meeting record.
Board members said afterward that they had received dozens of calls from residents reporting that their tax bills had doubled or tripled. The figures presented show that the expanded homestead exemption is absorbing much of the reassessment increase for eligible residents, while other property owners are seeing the full effect of the higher valuations on their bills.