Municipalities in Jones County are conducting special elections in approximately two weeks regarding electrical services in their areas.
The City of Laurel and the City of Ellisville are among those areas in the state conducting these special elections regarding the franchise of an electrical company’s operations in their city limits.
The cities’ governing boards have approved the ordinances allowing for the special election to be conducted in August regarding the proposition. In Laurel the special election will be held on August 3. In Ellisville the special election will be conducted on August 4.
“Every twenty-five years we have to vote as to whether we want to keep Mississippi Power as our service provider for the City of Laurel,” explained Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee during a press conference Monday morning, July 27.
“We get three percent from Mississippi Power on their sales within the city. Right now, that three percent represents $1.6 million, which goes into the general fund and helps to fund police, fire, streets, and other things like that,” said Magee.
According to a Laurel City Council document, the proposition voters will consider is: “Do you approve or disapprove the action of the City Council of the Municipality of Laurel, Mississippi, in adopting an ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Granting A Non-Exclusive Electric Franchise To Mississippi Power Company, Its Successors, and Assigns, In The Municipality of Laurel, Mississippi,” whereby an electric franchise was granted to Mississippi Power Company, its successors, and assigns, as per the terms of the said ordinance which was adopted by the City Council on the 7th day of July 2020.”
“If we do the franchise election, we will receive three percent. If we don’t do it, we will only receive two percent in franchise fees. That two percent only generates $1.1 million. So, by doing this election, and if the citizens of Laurel say they want to continue with Mississippi Power, we gain about a half million dollars,” noted Magee.
No matter whether the citizens vote to keep MPC or not, MPC will continue to be the electric power source for the city, which is determined by the Public Service Commission. The vote makes a difference in the amount of money the city will receive, either $1.6 million dollars or $1.1 million dollars. All Laurel voters are being asked to go to the Laurel Train Depot on North Maple Street in Laurel to cast their votes. The poll at the Depot will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on August 3.
Laurel City Clerk and Finance Director Mary Ann Hess addressed absentee voting during the press conference Monday and said, “You can come to my office, the City Clerk’s office in City Hall, this Friday from eight till five. And, also on Saturday from eight till twelve to place your absentee vote in my office.”
Magee said the voter turnout is expected to be low. However, he said a majority of whatever number of votes cast would determine the outcome.
Masks are encouraged to be worn, and voters are asked to practice social distancing. Precinct workers will be wearing masks and gloves.
“We will also be wiping down the booths and tables after each person,” added Hess.
In Ellisville, all registered voters are asked to come out and vote on August 4 on the electrical franchise proposal.
The elections in Ellisville will be conducted at the George V. Harrison Multipurpose Center at 206 North Church Street in Ellisville. The poll will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on August 4.