Daily Journal
TUPELO – The next 27 days will determine if eight elected officials can advance plans for a new police headquarters or whether the estimated $10 million project requires a citywide referendum.
Unanimous City Council approval Tuesday announcing intent to pursue up to $10 million in general obligation bonds triggered the period for opposition to the project to gather 1,500 signatures of current registered voters prior to 6 p.m. Nov. 18.
Otherwise, the city can proceed with financing and contracts necessary for the new public facility at Front and Franklin streets.
Without a bond referendum, the estimated 18-month project could break ground this year.
Nearly $5 million in funding already waits in city coffers to begin the project, indicating the leaders will likely use an unspecified amount of the anticipated bond project for other capital projects, such as new sidewalks, street upkeep and parks and recreation spray parks.