The Mississippi State Rating Bureau has lowered the Town of Bassfield from a Class 8 to a Class 7 fire insurance classification.

This public protection classification applies to eligible properties located within the legal boundaries of Bassfield, within five miles of the department and within 1,000 feet of a standard public fire hydrant.

Homeowners and businesses could begin seeing ower insurance premiums retroactively from May 20.

“We are very pleased with our rating this year,” said Bassfield Mayor Angie Ladner. “This is a great thing for our homeowners and businesses.”

Any time a rate is lowered, it allows more insurance companies the opportunity to offer policies in the area.

This lower rating could result in lower deductibles and lower rates plus extensions of coverage that are not already available.

The fire insurance grading classification is made up of many factors, among which are the fire department, the water supply, emergency communications, the fire prevention code, the public fire safety education programs and fire investigations.

A municipality’s rating may range from 10 as the highest fire insurance rating category, to one as the lowest fire insurance rating category.