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FAQs for Businesses

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1. What is a Privilege License?

A Privilege License is a license allowing a person to do business in Oktibbeha County for a profit. Please contact the Tax Assessor/Collector's office at 662-323-1273 for more information.

2. What is CodeRED?

CodeRED is a web-based critical communication solution that enables local public safety personnel to notify residents and businesses by telephone, text message, email, and social media of time-sensitive information, emergencies, or urgent notifications. The system can reach hundreds of thousands of individuals in minutes to ensure information such as evacuation notices, missing persons, inclement weather advisories, and more are quickly shared. Only authorized officials have access to send alerts using the CodeRED system.

3. Where do I need to report damage after severe weather or disaster?

Please email damage reports and/or pictures or call 662-320-7250 or 662-320-7251. As always if you are need of immediate assistance, please call 911.

4. How far will the county go up my drive when gravelling the entrance of my drive?

The county measures the right-of-way 50 feet from the center of the road to each side of the road. If within those 50 feet the entrance of your drive is the first 5 or 10 feet, the county will gravel. Anything outside of those 50 feet is illegal. Please note: If your drive is an official bus turnaround then the rule is different.

5. How can I join the Fire Department?

We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals, who have a strong desire to serve their community. A great way to join, is to visit your local fire station during a training session. If you are unsure which district you are in, need the meeting times, or just have questions before joining; send an email to Fire Department Recruitment.

The Oktibbeha County Fire Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the provision of our programs or services.

6. Why does the Fire Department come when I call for an ambulance?

Oktibbeha County firefighters are trained in basic first aid and CPR and some are trained emergency medical technicians. The trucks are equipped with first aid and lifesaving equipment. Fire stations are located throughout the county and can usually get to an emergency scene first to begin to administer aid until an ambulance arrives.

7. What kind of training is provided to Oktibbeha County Fire Fighters?

The training provided to Oktibbeha County Firefighters, is very similar to what you would expect from a career/paid fire department, this is because the hazards volunteer firefighters face are no different. The differences are in how our classes are taught. We typically 99% of our classes are taught here in Oktibbeha County, and our instructors work with the students to try to minimize the impact to their work or school schedules. We do however pride ourselves on professionalism, and all of our instructors are certified to the national standard level relating to instruction (NFPA 1041). Typical courses include basic fire fighting, emergency medical training, the incident command system and hazardous material response. Our more advanced courses are geared towards technical rescue, advanced firefighting skills, and development of future management. While we bring most of our training here to Oktibbeha County, additional training is provided at the State Fire Academy, the National Fire Academy, and several other accredited institutions. Oktibbeha County Firefighters do not pay for any of their training or equipment.

8. What are Oktibbeha County Fire Fighters paid?

Oktibbeha County functions under a volunteer system. Members are not paid, however they currently receive a reimbursement for expenses based upon how much an individual participates. The reimbursement is funded by a federal grant. All of our members equipment and training are provided at no cost to the individual.

9. What are the requirements to join an Oktibbeha County Fire District?

Applicants must be 18 years of age, and posses a valid drivers license. Background checks are conducted by the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department, and are required of all new applicants.

10. Where can I find more information about the Justice Court?

Information about the Oktibbeha County Justice Court can be found on the Justice Court Department page.

Also, check out this document listing what the Justice Clerk's Office can and cannot do for you.

11. What do I need to apply for a passport?

Passport hours are 8 am until 4:30 pm only.

You will need:

• Birth certificate with mother and father listed (long form)
• Photo identification (if out of state you will also need one more form of Identification)
• 2 by 2 passport photo made by Walgreens, CVS, etc.
• Fees: 
  • Passport Book - Adult 16 years and above: $110 (good for 10 years)
  • Passport Book - Child under 16: $80 (good for 5 years)
  • Passport Card - Adult 16 and above: $30 (good for 10 years)
  • Passport Card - Child under 16: $15 (good for 5 years)
• Check or Money Order made payable to U.S. Department of State.
• There is a separate execution fee of $35 per person payable to the Circuit Clerk.

It takes four to six weeks for normal process. If needed sooner, you can expedite by adding an additional $60. The process will then take two to three weeks.

12. Where do I pay a ticket?

• Citations by City Police - Municipal Court: 662-323-1491
• Citations from Sheriff Department - Justice Court: 662-324-3032
• Citations from Highway Patrol - Justice Court: 662-324-3032

13. What do I need to have to apply for a marriage license?

Both parties need to be present with valid photo identification along with a total of $37.

You no longer need blood work, and the license is issued on the same day.

14. When should I call 311?

You should call 311 to request city services and information. Examples of typical 311 calls include:

• Animal control problems
• Potholes
• Trash pickup problems
• Tree in the road
• Water line breakage
• Illegally parked vehicles or vehicles blocking alleys or driveways but that are not blocking traffic flow
• County agency phone numbers, addresses, and hours of operations

More information about 311.

15. When are elections held?

• Presidential Election - First Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Even-numbered years, every four years
• Gubernatorial Election - Odd-numbered years
• U.S. Senate and U.S. House Elections - Even-numbered years
• State Senate and House Elections - Odd-numbered years
• County and other Office Elections - Odd-numbered years
• Municipal (City) Elections - Odd-numbered years
• Election Commissioners - Even-numbered years

16. Where can I find out about property taxes?

Property tax facts, as well as information on Homestead and other exemptions, may be obtained from the Oktibbeha County Tax Assessor/Collector.

Details about Property Assessment and an online Property Tax Search are also available.

17. How much is sales tax?

The state levies a 7% sales tax, 2% of which is returned to the municipality on all sales within the corporate limits of the municipality. Additionally, the city has a 2% food and beverage tax and a 2% hotel/motel tax.

For more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.

18. When and where does the Board of Supervisors hold its meetings?

The Board of Supervisors meets the first Monday of each month at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse on 101 E Main Street in Starkville.

Section 19-13-11 of the Mississippi Code Annotated states:

In counties having only one court district, the board of supervisors shall hold regular meetings at the courthouse or in the chancery clerk's office in those counties where the chancery clerk's office is in a building separate from the courthouse. However, the board of supervisors may meet in any other county-owned building if such building is located within one mile of the courthouse and if, more than 30 days prior to changing the meeting place, the board posts a conspicuous, permanent notice to that effect in the chancery clerk's office and in one other place in the courthouse, publishes notice thereof in a newspaper published in the county, or if there be no newspaper published in the county, then in a newspaper having general circulation in the county, once each week, for at least three consecutive weeks, and enters an order upon its minutes designating and describing in full the building and room to be used as the meeting room of the board of supervisors. The board of supervisors shall meet on the first Monday of each month. However, when such meeting date falls on a legal holiday, then the said meeting shall be held on the succeeding day.

19. Where can the Board of Supervisors’ minutes be found?

The minutes of the Boards of Supervisors can be found in the Chancery Clerk Office.

20. Where do I get information regarding properties sold at the tax sale, maturing tax sale properties, etc.?

In the Chancery Clerk's Office, or you may search the land redemption records online.

21. What does the Chancery Clerk's Office accept in payment of recording fees?

The office accepts cash, checks made payable to Oktibbeha County Chancery Clerk, and money orders made payable to Oktibbeha County Chancery Clerk.

22. How do I obtain copies of records filed with the Chancery Clerk?

Fees for copies made by the public are $0.25 per page. The fee for copies made by our staff is $0.50 per page. There is an additional fee for certifying a copy of a document. Requests for copies sent by mail must be accompanied by check or money order covering the cost of the copies and a stamped self-addressed envelope. The request should reasonably identify the document to be copied. Checks should be made payable to the Oktibbeha County Chancery Clerk.

23. Where do I pay my delinquent taxes?

At the Chancery Clerk's Office via cash, money order, or check.

24. How do I file a civil suit?

Civil cases involving amounts greater than $3,500.00 are filed in the Oktibbeha County Chancery Court.

For civil cases involving less than that amount, download a Civil Declaration (PDF) and file it with the Oktibbeha County Justice Court.