All links go directly to official Calhoun City, Mississippi government websites.
About Calhoun City City Government
Annual Budget$1.5 million
Calhoun City, Mississippi, is governed by the Calhoun City Board of Aldermen, which consists of five elected members. Aldermen are elected to serve four-year terms, with elections occurring on a staggered basis to ensure continuity within the council. The current board includes Mayor J. L. "Buddy" McCarty and Aldermen Jerry W. McCarty, Charles "Chuck" McCarty, and others, who work collaboratively to manage city affairs.
The approximate annual operating budget for Calhoun City for the fiscal year 2023 is around $1.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, reflecting the city's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Calhoun City Town Hall, located at 100 East Main Street, Calhoun City, MS 38916. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
About Calhoun City, Mississippi
Nestled in the heart of Calhoun County, Mississippi, this charming small town boasts a population of approximately 1,745 residents, according to recent Census data. Founded in the late 19th century, Calhoun City has developed a rich history characterized by its friendly atmosphere and close-knit community. The town features several distinct neighborhoods, each brimming with its own unique charm and character. The local economy primarily revolves around agriculture and small businesses, contributing to a vibrant local marketplace that supports its residents. Additionally, the presence of local employers in the retail and service sectors adds to the economic landscape, fostering a sense of community pride. Calhoun City distinguishes itself with an array of annual events, including the popular Catfish Festival, which celebrates the region's culinary delights and Southern hospitality, drawing residents and visitors alike to partake in this lively celebration.
The Calhoun City Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the community, dedicated to maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. Additionally, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office plays a significant role in overseeing broader county law enforcement activities, including the operations of the Calhoun County Jail. For residents seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and overall criminal history within Calhoun City, the process begins at the local police records unit. Individuals can request these records in person or through written communication directed to the police department. If additional details are required, such as records maintained at the county level, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office provides access to its own records. More comprehensive criminal history searches can be conducted through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which operates the state’s criminal repository. Residents can also explore various online lookup portals, which may offer access to certain records for convenience, illustrating a growing trend of digital access to public information.
The judicial landscape of Calhoun City is served by the Calhoun County Circuit Court, where residents can request various court records. For those interested in accessing court documents, requests can be made either through the court’s online portal or by visiting the office of the court clerk in person, where staff are trained to assist with record retrieval. In addition to court records, vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be obtained from the Calhoun County Clerk-Recorder or through the Mississippi State Department of Health’s vital records division. Property records, including assessments and ownership details, can also be accessed through the county assessor and recorder's office, with many resources available online for added convenience. Furthermore, under the Mississippi Public Records Act, citizens can submit general public records requests to various government offices, typically receiving responses within a timeframe of 5 to 10 business days. This commitment to transparency ensures that residents of Calhoun City remain informed and engaged with their local governance.
About Calhoun City
Calhoun City is a small municipality located in the northwestern portion of Calhoun County, Mississippi, approximately 15 miles northwest of the county seat of Pittsboro. With a population of around 1,700 residents as of recent census estimates, Calhoun City was incorporated in 1852 and serves as one of two incorporated municipalities in Calhoun County. The town sits near the Big Creek watershed and has historically been an agricultural community with cotton, soybeans, and timber production forming the economic backbone.
Calhoun City is home to several small manufacturers and is known for its quiet, rural character and strong community ties. The town operates under a mayor-alderman form of government and maintains its own municipal services including water, sanitation, and local law enforcement through the Calhoun City Police Department. Public records for Calhoun City residents are maintained at both the municipal and county levels depending on the type of record requested. The Calhoun City Hall, located at 101 North Jackson Street, handles city ordinances, municipal court records, business licenses, and local resolutions. The Calhoun City Police Department maintains incident reports, accident records, and arrest logs for offenses occurring within city limits. For county-level records—including property deeds, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, circuit and chancery court filings, and voter registration—residents must contact the appropriate offices at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro. Mississippi's Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) governs access to government records, ensuring that most public documents are available for inspection and copying upon request, with certain exemptions for sensitive law enforcement investigations, personnel files, and sealed court records.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Law enforcement in Calhoun County is provided by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Bruce and Calhoun City. The Bruce Police Department and Calhoun City Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on community policing and local crime prevention. These agencies coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Calhoun County Jail, operated by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to locate individuals in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
The bond and bail process in Mississippi allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court. To find someone recently arrested, individuals can contact the sheriff's office directly.
Court Records
Calhoun City operates a Municipal Court located at Calhoun City Hall, 101 North Jackson Street, Calhoun City, MS 38916, phone (662) 628-6611. The municipal court has jurisdiction over city ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within city limits, and misdemeanor offenses arising under city code. For more serious criminal matters and civil cases, Calhoun County residents are served by the Calhoun County Circuit Court and Chancery Court, both located at the Calhoun County Courthouse, 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951.
The Circuit Court, reachable at (662) 983-3005, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200, personal injury suits, and appeals from lower courts. The Chancery Court, at the same address and phone number, has jurisdiction over domestic relations (divorce, child custody, adoption), estate and probate matters, land title disputes, and guardianships. Calhoun County also has Justice Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims up to $3,500, civil matters under $3,500, and evictions. Mississippi's statewide case search system, available through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) portal at https://courts.ms.gov, provides limited online access to case information for some courts, though availability varies by county and court type. Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee. For divorce records and chancery matters, requests are directed to the Chancery Clerk at (662) 983-3005. Filing fees vary by case type: civil filings in Circuit Court typically cost around $150-$200, while small claims in Justice Court cost approximately $35-$50.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Calhoun County encompasses records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Mississippi Public Records Act. To run a background check in Mississippi, individuals can request records from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services include fingerprint-based checks and access to the state's sex offender registry.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Calhoun County are maintained by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office, following the guidelines set forth by the Mississippi Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the date and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the charges.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Calhoun City and all of Calhoun County are maintained by county offices at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro. The Calhoun County Tax Assessor's Office, located at 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951, phone (662) 983-3005, maintains property assessment records, parcel maps, ownership information, and assessed values for tax purposes. Residents and prospective buyers can visit the Assessor's office in person to search property records by owner name, address, or parcel number.
As of this writing, Calhoun County does not offer a comprehensive online property search portal, so most detailed searches require an in-person visit or phone inquiry. The Calhoun County Chancery Clerk serves as the land records office and recorder of deeds for the county. Located at the same courthouse address, 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951, the Chancery Clerk's office (662-983-3005) records and indexes all real estate transactions including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. These documents create the official chain of title for all property in Calhoun County. To conduct a title search or obtain copies of recorded instruments, requestors can visit the Chancery Clerk's office during business hours. Copying fees are typically $1.00 per page, with additional certification fees if needed. Mississippi does not mandate free online access to land records, and Calhoun County currently does not provide a free online searchable database of recorded documents, though some Mississippi counties are gradually digitizing records. There is no public GIS parcel viewer available for Calhoun County at this time, so property research requires direct contact with county offices.
Economy & Demographics
Calhoun City's economy reflects the broader agricultural and manufacturing character of rural north Mississippi. Major employers in and around Calhoun City include small-scale manufacturers, agricultural operations, and local government. Calhoun County as a whole has a diverse economic base including timber harvesting, row crop agriculture (soybeans, cotton, corn), poultry production, and several manufacturing plants located in nearby towns such as Bruce and Vardaman.
The Calhoun County School District is a significant employer in the area, providing education services and employment for teachers, administrators, and support staff. Retail and service businesses along Highway 9 and in the downtown Calhoun City area provide local shopping and dining options, though many residents travel to larger towns such as Grenada or Tupelo for major purchases and specialized services. Median household income in Calhoun County is estimated around $37,000-$40,000, below the Mississippi state median, reflecting the rural and agricultural economy. Recent economic development efforts have focused on infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, and supporting small business development through county and state programs. Calhoun City serves primarily as a residential and local service center rather than a major employment hub, with many residents commuting to jobs in neighboring counties or working in agriculture and forestry. The town's economic future is closely tied to trends in agriculture, forestry, and the ability to attract and retain small manufacturers and value-added agricultural businesses.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Calhoun City Police Department serves the incorporated limits of Calhoun City and is located at 101 North Jackson Street, Calhoun City, MS 38916. The department can be reached at (662) 628-6611 for non-emergency inquiries. Residents seeking copies of police reports, accident reports, or incident records can visit the department during regular business hours or submit a written request. The department handles local patrol, traffic enforcement, and initial investigations for crimes occurring within the city limits. For areas outside Calhoun City or for more serious felony investigations, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services. The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is headquartered at the Calhoun County Courthouse complex at 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951, and can be contacted at (662) 983-3060. The Sheriff's Office maintains primary jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Calhoun County and operates the county detention facility. Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Calhoun County can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, though Mississippi does not maintain a centralized statewide online inmate search portal. To inquire about current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts, residents must contact the Calhoun County Jail directly at (662) 983-3060 or visit in person. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), citizens have the right to request and inspect public records, including arrest reports and booking logs, though some active investigation files may be temporarily exempt. Requests should be made in writing to the custodian of records at the respective law enforcement agency, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
Vital Records
Vital records for Calhoun City residents—including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees—are governed by Mississippi state law and managed primarily at the state and county levels. The Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, is the official custodian of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi. Birth certificates can be requested by mail, in person, or online through the state's vendor VitalChek at https://www.msdh.ms.gov/vitalrecords.
The fee for a certified birth certificate is $17.00, with expedited service available for additional fees; processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders. Death certificates cost $17.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest may order certified copies, and requestors must provide valid photo identification. Birth records in Mississippi are available from 1912 forward, and death records from 1912 onward. Marriage licenses for Calhoun City residents are issued by the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk's Office at the Calhoun County Courthouse, 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951, phone (662) 983-3005. The marriage license fee in Mississippi is $21.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test required. Both parties must appear in person to apply. Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk for a nominal fee. Divorce records are filed with the Chancery Clerk at the same courthouse address and phone number; certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested for a fee of approximately $1.00 per page plus certification. Mississippi vital records prior to 1912 may be available through county courthouses or the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licensing and entity registration for Calhoun City involves multiple layers of government depending on the nature of the business. The City of Calhoun City requires businesses operating within city limits to obtain a municipal business license. Applications and renewals are processed through Calhoun City Hall, 101 North Jackson Street, Calhoun City, MS 38916, phone (662) 628-6611. License fees and requirements vary based on business type and gross receipts; applicants should contact City Hall directly for current fee schedules and renewal deadlines.
There is no publicly searchable online database of active Calhoun City business licenses; inquiries must be made by phone or in person. At the county level, certain business activities may require permits or registrations from Calhoun County offices, though Mississippi does not have a uniform county-level business license requirement. Fictitious business name filings (Doing Business As or DBA) in Mississippi are registered with the Chancery Clerk of the county where the business operates. For businesses in Calhoun City, this is the Calhoun County Chancery Clerk, 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951, (662) 983-3005. DBA filings must be published in a local newspaper and filed with the Chancery Clerk; there is no statewide searchable database of DBAs. For formal business entity formation—corporations, LLCs, partnerships—registration is handled by the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at https://www.sos.ms.gov/business-services, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or entity number to verify active status, view officers and directors, confirm registered agent information, and access formation documents. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien filings are also managed by the Secretary of State and searchable online. Business owners in Calhoun City can look up commercial property tax assessments through the Calhoun County Tax Assessor at (662) 983-3005, though online parcel search is not currently available.
Elections & Voter Records
Calhoun City voters are served by the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at the Calhoun County Courthouse, 100 Court Square, Pittsboro, MS 38951, and can be reached at (662) 983-3005. This office handles voter registration, absentee ballot requests, candidate filings, precinct assignments, and election night reporting for all of Calhoun County including Calhoun City. Mississippi voters can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/voter-registration-information, or by submitting a paper application at the Circuit Clerk's office or other designated locations such as public libraries and DMV offices. The voter registration deadline in Mississippi is 30 days prior to any election. Acceptable forms of identification for registration and voting include a Mississippi driver's license, photo ID issued by any branch or agency of the U.S. government or Mississippi government, U.S. passport, employee ID from any branch or agency of government, firearms license, student ID from an accredited Mississippi college or university, tribal photo ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Calhoun City holds municipal elections for mayor and aldermen; Mississippi municipal elections are typically held on a four-year cycle with the most recent city elections held in June 2021, meaning the next municipal elections for Calhoun City are scheduled for June 2025. Voters can find their assigned polling location by contacting the Circuit Clerk or checking the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://www.sos.ms.gov. Mississippi provides public access to several categories of election records: voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful election purposes), campaign finance reports (accessible through the Secretary of State's office for state candidates or the county for local candidates), candidate qualification filings, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Calhoun County reported voter turnout of approximately 55-60% of registered voters, with results available through the Secretary of State's office. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Mississippi voters will decide several important races. While Mississippi does not have a gubernatorial election in 2026 (the governor is elected in odd-numbered years following presidential elections), all four of Mississippi's U.S. House seats will be on the ballot, along with one U.S. Senate seat if it is up for election in the regular six-year cycle. State legislative seats for the Mississippi House of Representatives and Mississippi Senate will also be contested, along with various county offices including supervisors, constables, and potentially the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Sheriff, Tax Assessor, and other county officials depending on term cycles. Calhoun City voters should also watch for any local school board races and referendums on the ballot. Mississippi offers absentee voting for registered voters who meet specific criteria including being away from their county of residence on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 years or older, being a parent or caregiver of a dependent child or adult, working as an election official, or being a member of the military or spouse/dependent. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office no later than five days before the election, and voted ballots must be returned by election day. Mississippi does not have universal no-excuse absentee voting or widespread mail-in voting; most voters cast ballots in person at their assigned precinct on election day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Partial Online (MEC portal limited) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required (no free online search) | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Request Required (no online roster) | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering (VitalChek for state records) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (Secretary of State business search) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results (SOS portal) | Overall: 5.5/10 — Calhoun County provides basic public records access but lacks comprehensive online tools for property, court, and arrest records, requiring most requestors to visit offices in person or make phone inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the process for someone who is arrested in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Calhoun City, Mississippi, you will be transported to the Calhoun County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Calhoun County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Calhoun County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2What are the school district and education performance data for Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi?
The Calhoun City area is served by public school districts in Calhoun County, Mississippi. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Mississippi Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3What are the crime statistics for Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi?
Crime statistics for Calhoun City, Mississippi are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Calhoun City Police Department on their official website. The Mississippi Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi Library?
The Calhoun City Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Mississippi government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5Where is the Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi Public Library located?
The Calhoun City Public Library main branch is located in Calhoun City, Mississippi. Check the Calhoun City city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi?
Fingerprinting services in Calhoun City, Mississippi are available through the Calhoun City Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Calhoun City, Mississippi, contact the Mississippi Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Calhoun County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8About Police Reports
Police reports from Calhoun City, Mississippi can be obtained from the Calhoun City Police Department or the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Mississippi DMV.
9About background check
A background check in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, Mississippi typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Mississippi criminal history report through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Nearby Cities in Calhoun County, Mississippi
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