MS SB2003

Allows municipalities with populations under 1,500 (per latest federal decennial census) to advertise public budget hearings by posting notice in three public places instead of publishing in newspapers, but only if proposed tax levies do not exceed the current fiscal year's certified tax rate.

Maintains existing requirements for larger municipalities to publish budget hearing advertisements at least one-fourth page in size with 18-point type, surrounded by a black border, and run weekly for two weeks before the hearing.

Requires the public hearing to be held at least seven days after first advertisement and permits all interested parties reasonable time to present oral testimony on proposed budgets and tax levies.

Mandates taxing entities notify county or municipal governing bodies of hearing dates and times, with counties resolving any scheduling conflicts among overlapping taxing entities.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.