Clerical mistake leaves plant with $1.4M in unpaid taxes

JACKSON — A Milwaukee Tool clerk’s paperwork error means the manufacturing plant in Jackson must pay Hinds County $1.4 million more in property taxes than it contends it owes.

The Board of Supervisors yesterday denied Milwaukee Tool’s request for relief, saying the company should have called it to the board’s attention earlier than just a few weeks ago.

The Clarion-Ledger reports that 2010 tax bill already has been figured into the county’s budget. Its loss would leave a gaping hole at a time when supervisors have borrowed money to make ends meet until tax revenues flow in later this month.

Supervisor Peggy Hobson-Calhoun suggested Milwaukee Tool ask the tax assessor’s office for a credit on its 2011 tax bill for the overpayment.