Vicksburg Mayor questions insurance costs

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —  The City of Vicksburg Mayor Willis Thompson announced Monday the city is bringing in an independent firm to inspect and value every building and major piece of equipment the city pays to insure, a step aimed at making sure Vicksburg pays the correct amount for its property insurance.

“Good government isn’t always flashy. It’s checking the numbers, knowing what you own, and making sure every dollar is accounted for,” Thompson said.

The review will check each property on the city’s insurance list in person, confirm the city still owns it, and set an accurate value for what it would cost to replace. The city’s current list covers 103 buildings and structures valued at about $82.9 million.

“When you pay for insurance, you ought to know exactly what you’re covering and what it is worth,” Thompson said. “If we’re paying to insure a building we no longer own, or a value that isn’t right, that’s wasted taxpayer money going out the door. This is about getting the basics right and spending the people’s money wisely.”

The work will be done by GA Advisory & Valuation Services, known as GA Group. Inspectors will visit city properties and document each building’s size, construction, roof, fire protection and condition, and will separately value vehicles, machinery and other equipment.

The water and wastewater treatment plants will be reviewed first because they are among the city’s most valuable and most critical facilities. Results for those sites are expected in early November, with the full report due in early January 2027, ahead of the city’s next insurance renewal.

Thompson said the review fits a broader, continued effort at City Hall to tighten financial controls and bring more accountability to how the city spends money.