A $1 million sewer appropriation comes without a local match

Starkville’s Oct. 20 agenda included a proposed agreement for $1 million in state funding for its sewer and lagoon project. The mayor’s office describes the appropriation as nonmatching, meaning the city would not have to put up matching dollars.⁠[1][2]

The memorandum with the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration sets conditions for funding under Section 4 of Senate Bill 2189 from the 2026 legislative session. It would take effect after DFA approval. The agenda and proposed agreement do not establish whether aldermen approved it or whether the money has arrived.⁠[1][2]

The spending window would run from receipt of the money—not from the agenda date. The city would agree to make every effort to spend the funds within 36 months, solely on the authorized project. The agreement warns that failure to follow its provisions could prompt the state to recover project funds.⁠[2]

The money would have to go into a separate, non-interest-bearing bank account, without being mixed with other funds—even earlier funding for the same project. Quarterly reports would be due within 30 days after each quarter ends, with invoices and bank statements supporting reported expenditures. Reports would still be required in quarters when nothing was spent.⁠[2]