Frequently Asked Questions

A Privilege License is a license allowing a person to do business in Oktibbeha County for a profit. Please contact the Tax Assessor/Collector's office at 662-323-1273 for more information.

What is CodeRED and what is it used for?

CodeRED is a web-based critical communication solution that enables local public safety personnel to notify residents and businesses by telephone, text message, email, and social media of time-sensitive information, emergencies, or urgent notifications. The system can reach hundreds of thousands of individuals in minutes to ensure information such as evacuation notices, missing persons, inclement weather advisories, and more are quickly shared. Only authorized officials have access to send alerts using the CodeRED system.

When will CodeRED be used?

Any message regarding the safety of our residents and community will be disseminated using CodeRED. We will send out alerts via phone, text, email, and social media in a variety of situations including boil water notices, gas leaks, evacuation notices, police activity, fire emergencies, missing persons, and more. This is a community alert system to ensure you remain informed of important information. Please keep in mind that as you register to receive CodeRED alerts, you have the ability to select the types of messages you wish to receive and your preferred means of communication.

Is there a cost to register for CodeRED?

No, registering for CodeRED phone calls, text messages, and email are free. Simply sign up on our enrollment website and select your preferred means of communication.

How do I sign up?

Please go to the CodeRED page. This is the quickest way to sign up because the information you supply is immediately registered in the system. If you do not have internet at home, please consider visiting a library or asking a friend or family member for assistance. You can also call our office and we will be happy to assist you in getting registered at 662-338-1076.

How will I know when CodeRED is calling?

A CodeRED message will have the caller ID Number 866-419-5000 for emergencies and caller ID Number 855-969-4636 for non-emergencies. We suggest that you program these numbers into your cell phone as a new contact and use "CodeRED" as the contact name. If you need to replay the message received, you can dial this number and listen to the message again in its entirety.

Why is CodeRED important to me?

CodeRED is an important tool to help keep you informed and prepared for any emergencies that may occur in our area. Officials will send messages to alert you of emergency details, instructions, or precautions that you need in order to make well-informed decisions and remain safe. This system is precise enough to geotarget residents within an exact area of impact so that only those people who are affected by emergency situation are notified.

Please email damage reports and / or pictures to us directly or call 662-320-7250 or 662-320-7251. As always, if you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 911.

We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals, who have a strong desire to serve their community. A great way to join is to visit your local fire station during a training session. If you are unsure which district you are in, need the meeting times, or just have questions before joining, email us.

The Oktibbeha County Fire Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the provision of our programs or services.

Oktibbeha County firefighters are trained in basic first aid and CPR and some are trained emergency medical technicians. The trucks are equipped with first aid and lifesaving equipment. Fire stations are located throughout the county and can usually get to an emergency scene first to begin to administer aid until an ambulance arrives.

The training provided to Oktibbeha County firefighters is very similar to what you would expect from a career/paid fire department, this is because the hazards volunteer firefighters face are no different. The differences are in how our classes are taught. Typically 99% of our classes are taught here in Oktibbeha County, and our instructors work with the students to try to minimize the impact to their work or school schedules. We do however pride ourselves on professionalism, and all of our instructors are certified to the national standard level relating to instruction (NFPA 1041). Typical courses include basic fire fighting, emergency medical training, the incident command system, and hazardous material response. Our more advanced courses are geared towards technical rescue, advanced firefighting skills, and the development of future management. While we bring most of our training here to Oktibbeha County, additional training is provided at the State Fire Academy, the National Fire Academy, and several other accredited institutions. Oktibbeha County firefighters do not pay for any of their training or equipment.

Oktibbeha County functions under a volunteer system. Members are not paid. However, they currently receive a reimbursement for expenses based upon how much an individual participates. The reimbursement is funded by a federal grant. All of our members' equipment and training are provided at no cost to the individual.

Applicants must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Background checks are conducted by the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department and are required of all new applicants.

Please visit the Justice Court page.

Passport hours are 8 am until 4:30 pm only.

You will need

• Birth certificate with mother and father listed (long form)
• Photo I.D. (if out of state you will also need one more form of Identification)
• 2 x 2 passport photos made by Walgreens, CVS, etc.

Fees

• Passport Book: Adult 16 years and above, $110 (good for 10 years)
• Passport Book: Child under 16, $80 (good for 5 years)
• Passport Card: Adult 16 and above, $30 (good for 10 years)
• Passport Card: Child under 16, $15 (good for 5 years)

Check or Money Order made Payable to U.S. Department of State.

There is a separate execution fee of $35 per person payable to the Circuit Clerk.

It takes four to six weeks for the normal process. If needed sooner, you can expedite by adding an additional $60. The process will then take two to three weeks.

Citations by City Police: Municipal Court, 662-323-1491

Citations from Sheriff's Department: Justice Court, 662-324-3032

Citations from Highway Patrol: Justice Court, 662-324-3032

Both parties need to be present with valid photo identification along with a total of $37.

You no longer need blood work, and the license is issued on the same day.

You should call 311 to request city services and information. Examples of typical 311 calls include:

• Animal control problems
• Potholes
• Trash pickup problems
• Tree in the road
• Water line breakage
• Illegally parked vehicles or vehicles blocking alleys or driveways but that are not blocking traffic flow
• For county agency phone numbers, addresses, and hours of operation

More information about 311

Traffic tickets from the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department, the Mississippi State Highway Patrol, and MSU Campus Police may be paid for at the Oktibbeha County Justice Court.

The amount to be paid for speeding violations can be found by clicking the link below. Bring your payment to the Oktibbeha County Justice Court.

Payments must be made with cash or money order. No checks or credit cards accepted.

Fines for Speeding Violations

All marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk in the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Complex at 108 West Main Street. You must have a picture I.D. You must be 21 years of age to apply for a marriage license without parental consent, and both parties must be present to apply. If you are under the age of 21, you must have notarized authorization from the parent or the parent needs to be present.

Search Oktibbeha Marriage Records online

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.

For more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.

Licenses are available for purchase at most sporting goods stores and variety stores.