Board denies ad valorem tax exemption for United Association Local 619 training facility

Chris Newell, business manager for United Association Local 619, described a training facility under construction on Lonnie T. Jenkins Drive and said the local has invested about $4 million and expects to relocate training operations from Vicksburg. He said the facility would train skilled tradespeople for regional industry.

County counsel advised the board that ad valorem exemptions for trade associations are discretionary, and while unions may qualify as 501(c)(5) trade associations for some state exemptions, the board retains discretion whether to grant local ad valorem tax relief. Board members voiced support for workforce training but also emphasized fairness and the county's need for tax revenue. One supervisor said everyone should pay their fair share.

A motion to deny the exemption was made and seconded and carried by voice vote; the board did not grant the requested local ad valorem tax exemption at this meeting. Staff and the applicant discussed that the project’s requested exemption, if reconsidered, would also involve city and school‑district considerations and that the matter could be revisited before the 2027 effective year if parties pursue local approvals.