Starbucks lattes may still be in Meridian’s future.

Though Starbucks has decided to close numerous stores in Mississippi this year, Meridian may still be in the running for a new store, according to Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith.

Smith said at a press conference Wednesday that a Starbucks in Meridian, though by no means definite, is still not out of the question. It was announced late last year that Starbucks would locate a store in Meridian, but the chain began experiencing financial problems shortly thereafter and announced that they would close seven stores in Mississippi.

Smith said the stores closed are in areas that are over saturated with Starbucks locations, and that Meridian, because it is an untapped market in the espresso business, could still become home to up to three Starbucks locations.

“Starbucks is opening far, far fewer new stores,” Smith said. “But they are looking for markets that aren’t served.”

He said that Starbucks like to open at least three stores when entering a market the size of Meridian, and that there is a slight possibility that the chain will begin looking at franchising.

Smith also said during the press conference:

• Despite the suffering national economy, sales tax revenue in Meridian is gaining at a slow but steady rate. It’s up 3.5 percent from last year.

• Proposals from developers for the Urban Renewal (Threefoot) Project are due Friday. Smith said one developer has promised a proposal, and that he doesn’t expect any other proposals.

• The city is expecting a “lean year” next year because of fuel costs, but will still make room in the budget to give all of its employees at least a 3 percent raise. Fire and Police Department employees will get larger raises. The mayor will not receive a raise.