State of the County 2025

State of the County 2025 Generational Momentum  

By Mr. Tommie Lee Ivy
President, Lee County Board of Supervisors  

Reflecting on the success of 2025 fills me with gratitude. While we often celebrate our community’s achievements, it is important to remember the leadership, sacrifice, and determination that made those successes possible. Lee County is fortunate to benefit from strong leadership, and in my thirty years as a Lee County Supervisor, I have witnessed firsthand the commitment required to build the progress we enjoy today. 

One of my proudest accomplishments as a Lee County Supervisor was the formation of the Pontotoc–Union–Lee (PUL) Alliance in 2001. This partnership among three counties and fifteen supervisors laid out the groundwork for the location of Toyota Mississippi in 2007. This year, Toyota announced that its Blue Springs facility will become the sole manufacturer of the Hybrid Corolla model and one of only two plants worldwide producing the iconic Toyota Corolla—the best-selling car in history. This continued investment reflects Toyota’s long-standing commitment to the PUL Alliance counties and ensures sustained job creation and capital growth. Our friends, neighbors, and families continue to benefit from Toyota’s presence and investment in our community. 

In 2025, Lee County celebrated the creation of 256 new jobs with an average salary exceeding $45,000. These are not simply jobs, but meaningful careers that support and strengthen Lee County families. These opportunities were generated by nine new and expanding industries, resulting in $273 million in new capital investment. Notable expansions and investments include commitments from Toyota, General Atomics, HM Richards, and WestRock. This success has helped position Lee County among the best places to live in the nation, earning a number one ranking for lowest cost of living and a number eight ranking by Site Selection magazine for jobs and corporate facilities investment.

Our steady growth as a county is paramount to having a healthy government serving our citizens.  In 2025, Lee County experienced a net assessed value growth of $5.6 million.  This growth allows us to improve our services and keep taxes low for our citizens.

In partnership with the Mississippi Development Authority, Three Rivers Planning and Development District, and the Appalachian Regional Commission, Lee County has secured over $4 million towards new infrastructure to support our growth. These public investments multiply many times over the amounts of private investments made in Lee County over time.

2025 was also a transformative year for emergency services in Lee County. The Board of Supervisors established the Emergency Services Department to enhance quality of life by consolidating countywide emergency response resources under a unified structure for improved oversight and management.

Key accomplishments included evaluating fire district protection classes and replacing outdated equipment. These efforts led to improved insurance ratings in several districts, resulting in lower insurance premiums for many residents. The county also authorized the purchase of five new fire trucks to replace outdated equipment that no longer meets rating standards.

Additionally, Lee County launched the Fire Strike Team, which staffs two emergency response and fire units—one in the north and one in the south—to ensure faster response times to fires and emergencies, particularly in smaller municipalities. The Strike Team is comprised of paid, certified firefighters and emergency responders.

Within the past year, the Lee County Board of Supervisors took an important step forward by voting to implement a countywide transition of animal control services from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to North Mississippi Animal Care and Control Association, LLC for all municipalities within Lee County. This strategic move has already proven to be a positive change, delivering improved service and consistency for communities across the county.

In 2025, Lee County also launched its new official website, creating a more transparent and accessible connection between county government and the citizens we serve. With live-streamed public meetings and continually updated information on county services, residents now have greater insight into how their county operates and how to engage with it.

Working in partnership with state legislators, Lee County is also completing the installation of approximately 50 new public storm shelters at existing fire departments throughout the county, significantly strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our dedicated county employees who faithfully serve the residents of Lee County each day. Special thanks are due to Chancery Clerk Bill Benson, County Administrator Ronnie Bell, and County Attorney Gary Carnathan for their continued leadership and support of economic development efforts across the county.

As we close out another successful year, let us remember that we are a generation building momentum—with even greater achievements ahead. By continuing to work together, we can ensure a strong and prosperous future for Lee County.

For more information about Lee County: leecountyms.com