FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For those moving to Starkville / Oktibbeha County

What is the climate like?
Where do I register to vote?
How much is sales tax?
Where can I find out about property taxes?
Where can I get my driver's license?
Where do I get a car tag?
Where do I get a marriage license?
Where do I get a business license?
Where do I get hunting, fishing & boating licenses?
Where do I get a license for my dog?

All About Your Utilities
All About Privilege Licenses

What is the climate like?
Starkville has a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Where do I register to vote?
You may register to vote in the office of the Circuit Clerk in the Oktibbeha County Courthouse. Phone: 323-1356

How much is sales tax?
The state levies a 7% sales tax, 2% of which is returned to the municipality on all sales within the corporate limits of the municipality. Additionally, the city has a 2% food and beverage tax and a 2% hotel/motel tax.

Where can I find out about property taxes?
Property tax facts, as well as information on Homestead and other exemptions may be obtained from the Oktibbeha County Tax Assessor/Collector. Hours: 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: 662-323-1273

Where can I get my driver's license?
Upon becoming a resident of Mississippi, a person 16 years old or older has 60 days to obtain a Mississippi driver's license and 30 days to obtain an automobile license plate. Driver' licenses are obtained from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, located in the Mississippi State Troopers Office on Highway 82 East. Examinations and drivers tests may be required. Call for examination times: 323-5316

Where do I get a car tag?
Residential Mississippi license plates may be obtained throughout the year from the Tax Assessor's Office in the Oktibbeha County Courthouse. Residents have 30 days after establishing residency to secure car tags.
Phone: 662-323-1273

Where do I get a marriage license?
All marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Clerk in the Oktibbeha County Courthouse. Some age restrictions may apply.
Phone: 662-323-1356

Where do I get a business license?
All businesses must secure a Privilege License in the municipality or county in which the business is located. For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office in City Hall.
Phone: 662-323-4813

Where do I get a hunting, fishing or boating license?
Licenses are available for purchase at most sporting goods stores and variety stores.

Where do I get a license for my dog?
Starkville City Ordinance 2005-1 requires that all dogs and cats that reside in the city limits be current on their rabies shots. In addition, dogs that reside in the city limits are required to be licensed annually. The cost is $5/year for dogs that have been spayed or neutered and $10/year for dogs that have not been. Tags can be obtained by bringing proof of vaccination (spay/neutering proof must be kept by OCHS) to the City Animal Shelter at 510 Industrial Park Rd between the hours of 10 - 5, M - F. Call 338-9093 for additional information.

All About Your Utilities
All About Privilege Licences

STARKVILLE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
• Must provide proof of address for service to begin (rent receipt, lease/purchase agreement)
• No credit cards accepted
• Completed application
• Deposits - $165 for rentals, $60 for home owners
• Limited daily hook-ups

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY GAS
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
• Water and electric service must be already in place
• Access to new location for service to be started
• Application
• Credit cards accepted for deposits only
• Deposit - $85 for rental or mobile homes / $65 for home owners
• Bank draft available

BELLSOUTH
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
• Previous phone information
• Address of home to receive phone service
• Number of phone lines
• Social Security number
• References
• Deposit - $75
Will do credit check to see if deposit is necessary

NORTHLAND CABLE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
• Must apply in person
• No credit cards accepted
• Someone must be present at location for service to be started for new hookups
• Deposit - First month's charges and hook-up charge

If you are renting or constructing a commercial building in Starkville, your first city visit will likely be to Starkville Electric Department (SED) at the west end of Main Street, to make a deposit for electrical, water, sewer and sanitation service. (If your business is west of the Highway 25 by-pass or north of Garrard Road, your contact will probably be Four-County Electric, at 1113 Stark Road, for electric service.) You will need to take a copy of your sales agreement, or a copy of your rental lease, including exact address of the building. If you are uncertain of the address, contact Starkville Building Department at 101 Lampkin Street (662.323.8012). SED will take your application and deposit, and will give you a reasonable estimate of the time when your temporary or permanent service will be activated.

PRIVILEGE LICENSE GUIDELINES

For Retail Businesses, license fee will be determined from inventory amount. Applicants will obtain inspection certificates (1) from Starkville Fire Department, 503 E. Lampkin Street (323-1845), and (2) from Starkville Building Department, 101 E. Lampkin Street (323-8012). (3) Mississippi Tax ID Number will be secured from the Mississippi Tax Commissioner's Office (Branch, Columbus, MS, 662-328-3271). (4) Evidence of the fire inspection and tax number should be brought to the Starkville City Clerk's Office, 101 E. Lampkin Street (323-4813), to complete application for a Business License, and remit the appropriate license fee.

For Food Service Business, license fee will be determined from number of Full Time Equivalent employees (FTE = 30 hours per 7-day week). Applicants should follow steps (1), (2), (3), above, and obtain a Food Service Permit from the Oktibbeha County Health Department, 203 Yeates Street (323-6242), before step (4), above.

For General Service Business, license fee will be determined by number of FTE (see above). Most service licenses require completion of the Business License Application and remitting the appropriate license fee. Some Service License applicants, depending on the nature of the service, may need to meet requirements other than those stated above before obtaining a Business License.

For Home Occupations, apply by completing a one-page application available at the Planning Department (101 Lampkin Street, 662.323.4583). Upon approval of your Home Occupation Application by the Planning Department, please bring a copy to the City Clerk's Office (101 Lampkin Street, 663.323.4813) for a Privilege License.

What is the climate like?
Where do I register to vote?
How much is sales tax?
Where can I find out about property taxes?
Where can I get my driver's license?
Where do I get a car tag?
Where do I get a marriage license?
Where do I get a business license?
Where do I get hunting, fishing & boating licenses?

All About Your Utilities
All About Privilege Licences