Jason Camp, MS Local Gov Guy

08/29/2026

21 Years ago today…Hurricane Katrina

This original documentary, created by WLOX News in 2005, begins wit...

08/28/2026

Thinking about bidding at a Mississippi Tax Sale on August 31?

Before you raise your hand, make sure you know what you're buying.

A common misconception is that a winning bidder immediately gets the property. In reality, Mississippi tax sales are more complicated than that. Understanding liens, overbids, redemption periods, and interest calculations is essential.

Check out the basics of the Mississippi Tax Sale process.👇

08/26/2026

It's National Dog Day, and let's be honest... There was never really any question about my favorite dog.

While local governments handle animal control, leash laws, shelters, and dog parks, I'm just here to remind everyone that the bulldog remains undefeated.

Hail State.

08/26/2026

AI is for everyone, and Mississippi has no cost courses to help you get started.

The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), Mississippi’s statewide AI initiative, offers online, self-paced learning for Mississippians who want to build practical AI skills for work, school, business, or everyday life.

Courses include MAIN AI Foundations and Industry AI Courses from Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

✓ No AI experience required
✓ Learn on your schedule
✓ Earn micro-credentials
✓ CEUs available for K-12 educators
✓ Open statewide

Wherever you are starting from, there is a course for you.

Enrollment is open now through June 30, 2027.

Find the course that fits your goals:
https://mainms.org/courses/

08/25/2026

Where you shop matters. When you make a purchase inside a Mississippi city or town, a portion of the state sales tax collected there is returned to that municipality. When you shop outside city limits, the city does not receive that sales tax revenue. In fact, Mississippi counties generally do not receive a direct share of state sales tax collections at all.

TAX TIP Tuesday: As a Mississippi consumer and/or business owner, it’s important to know the sales tax rates for various items in the state. These taxes are an important way for the state to pay for public education, health care, public safety, and other services.

>> For a complete listing of sales tax rates for Mississippi, go here:
https://www.dor.ms.gov/business/sales-use-tax/sales-tax-rates

08/20/2026

Can you get any government record you want?

Not exactly.

In this video, I explain how the Mississippi Public Records Act works, including what records can be requested, response times, costs, exemptions, and why a public records request is not the same as asking government a question.

Have you ever submitted a public records request?

08/20/2026

Can we keep the longer days but lose the extreme heat? ☀️🥵 Asking for everyone in Mississippi. 😅

As late summer sunsets happen earlier, those on western edges of time zones keep light later.

08/18/2026

Nobody thinks it will happen in their city.

Every time a public official pleads guilty to embezzlement, local governments should ask the same question:

What controls were missing, and what can we learn from it?

Internal controls are not about distrust. They are about protecting employees and taxpayer dollars.

Good controls include:

✅ Separate duties whenever possible

✅ Require approvals and documentation

✅ Review bank statements and reconciliations

✅ Conduct regular audits and oversight

✅ Limit access to financial systems

The strongest protection against fraud is not finding it afterward. It's building systems that make it difficult to occur in the first place.

08/17/2026

The qualifying deadline for many Mississippi school board offices is Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Keep in mind that school board selection methods vary across the state. Some districts elect board members, while others appoint them.

For details on qualifications and the filing process, see the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office Candidate Qualifying Guide

08/12/2026

Every community has a heartbeat.

For many towns, it's Main Street.

It's where we gather for festivals, shop local, enjoy a meal, and connect with friends and neighbors. When Main Streets thrive, communities thrive.

The Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program application portal is now open.

Mississippi communities have a new opportunity to invest in the places at the heart of their local economies.

Through the Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program, eligible applicants can apply for up to $500,000 to support projects that revitalize downtown districts, preserve historic properties and strengthen communities.

Applications are due September 11, 2026.

Review the requirements and apply:
https://bit.ly/45VuKti