In September, Clarksdale’s mayor and commissioners passed resolutions allowing taxpayers to have a say in dissolving Clarksdale Public Utilities Board and on tax increases for infrastructure improvements. After his election campaign, Mayor Chuck Espy promised that he would listen and address the concerns of Clarksdale’s nearly 16,000 residents. He also stated that if he didn’t do what was expected, he would “fire” him. The mayor, who is now in his second year of being the city’s chief, said he had heard many concerns from the residents, including safety concerns, flooding, high utility bills, and transparency within the CPU Commission. Espy stated that those concerns were not ignored. He explained that citizens will be able to vote in the upcoming election on two issues – infrastructure and CPU. “These are two amazing issues that voters must weigh in on. I wouldn’t be the politician who forced something on the people. Espy said in a telephone call to Mississippi Today that he will always be transparent and that transparency is the ultimate goal. The first resolution requests that a tax increase be imposed ad valorem (or property) to allow the city to issue general obligation bonds. According to Investopedia, a general obligation bond is a municipal pledge to use all resources, including taxes, to repay bond holders. The city intends to increase property taxes, which would impact homeowners and businesses. $17 million would be issued by the city to finance capital improvements, including paving, constructing and improving streets, sidewalks and bridges. It includes the repair and improvement of storm drainage and sewerage systems. Cathy Clark, the city clerk, stated that city officials will be able to provide more information about the bond, interest rates and other factors that will affect how much taxes rise before the election. Clark said that all information regarding the bond would be available to voters on the ballot so they could know what they are voting for. The city’s budget of $20 million is made up 49 percent from property tax revenue, and 24 percent from sales tax revenue. Sales tax revenue has fallen $54,000 in the last four months. Clark stated that Amazon, online purchases and the loss of Kroger were all factors in the decrease. Representatives from Neel Schaffer (privately owned, employee-owned) engineering, planning and construction management company gave an estimate of project costs at a recent board meeting. Flash flood zones are estimated at $2.8 million, with backwater flood areas between $2 million-$6 million. $3.8 million for Second Street bridge (city has applied to offset this), $3.7 million to widen Friars point Road and repair the bridge. For an additional $1.2million, city officials plan to repair streets and build sidewalks. The Clarksdale board and commissioners voted on two resolutions that will appear on August’s city ballot. The second resolution would “abolish the CPU Commission board” and give the city control of the commission. The CPU Commission, which is composed of five members, appointed by the mayor, commissioners, and other officials, oversees Clarksdale Public Utilities. This municipally-owned utility company provides water and electricity to nearly 7,000 people in Clarksdale, and some rural areas. The resolution requests that the state government’s private and local legislation committee authorize a “referendum by a majority of qualified electors in the city voting during the election” to determine what happens. For legislative consideration, State Rep. Orlando Paden (D-Clarksdale) and Senator Robert Jackson (D-Marks) submitted multiple bills, including House Bill 1368 and House Bill 774. Both HB774 & SB2308 were killed in committee. Paden stated that he was not sure what the bill’s outcome would be, but that if the lawmakers vote no, then the city can’t hold a referendum on the issue. In a telephone conversation with Mississippi Today, Paden stated that “some (constituents), didn’t want to me to do anything.” “But whenever you give me something to do with people and voting I don’t want anything to be taken away from them or their voting rights.” Espy stated that his administration has oversight over the utility commission, which provides transparency. He also said that the composition of the CPU board would not change. We will vote yes for the abolishment, which will allow the city to continue having the same board members, CEO and attorney, but it will not become an authorizing body. Each decision made by them will be considered by the board (of commissioners and mayor). Espy stated that it will not be final unless the board approves it. “We are not asking for permission to remove anything from CPU. Espy stated that they are asking for permission to be accountable for CPU. The total assets of the utility company are currently $39.4 millions. Freddie Davis, a former president of the CPU commission, asked how the city officials would benefit the citizens by taking over CPU. Davis asked, “How would the city solve the problem (if it takes over)?” Davis stated that the city taking control of CPU won’t reduce bills. …(CPU (has been working well for more than 30 years, and now all the sudden the city wants to control?” But, back in fall, customers started flooding the CPU commission meetings, upset about high bills and demanding transparency on excessive fees and the firings of three CPU officials. When Davis was asked by ratepayers about transparency, Davis replied that “We won’t respond because we don’t have to.” In response, CPU appointed Curtis Boschert as its new General Manager. Davis was replaced by Adrian Allen, a former member of Quality of Life Commission. Board member James Hicks is the president of the commission. Boschert has made the “Pick A Due Date” program free of charge. Customers complained about the high cost of enrolling in this program. There was a $10 initial charge and then $1 each month thereafter. Ratepayers also had concerns about being able calculate their fuel adjustment rate. This cost is visible on the bill. Boschert stated that it would be premature to comment on the matter as he hasn’t seen any signed resolutions or legislation regarding dissolution of the CPU board. Will citizens vote on the resolutions? About 43 percent of registered voters in Coahoma county cast their ballots for the runoff election held on Nov. 27. According to officials at the circuit clerk’s offices, there are 10,305 registered voters in Clarksdale out of 15,431 in the county. Some voters may find it difficult to vote twice on an election day. This could be because they have to wait in long lines and travel to two different polling places. A voter might vote in a county election at Lee Drive. However, a voter could travel to the Civic Auditorium to vote in a city election. Andrew Thompson, ex-Sheriff of Coahoma County and President of the Coahoma County Election Commission, stated that he had heard about the referendum but didn’t know anything. “I have only heard hearsay. He said that he had never heard of the county and city (elections), running simultaneously. Leah Rupp Smith spokeswoman for the secretary of state. She said in an email to Mississippi Today that it is unusual for municipalities to hold special referendums during primary elections conducted by the parties. This could create confusion for voters. Sanford Johnson, a member of the Clarksdale Municipal Election Commission said he has not heard or spoken to anyone regarding the referendum but stated that once the bill passes the Legislature they should be informed of next steps. Espy said that despite the low turnout of previous elections, he doesn’t anticipate any problems on Election Day. He also stated that despite these low turnouts, he is optimistic and confident that Clarksdaleans will vote on matters that concern them. “If neither of these are votes, then everything stays the same. I promised everyone that Clarksdale would turn around in four years. Espy stated that July 4 will mark the halfway point with my administration being two years in. “Imagine the possibilities for what we can accomplish in the remaining two years…I made big promises.”_x000D