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Alderman addresses his ‘nay’ vote on utilities
Learn about the recent vote by the Vicksburg Board regarding utility cost increases and the implications for residents.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At the City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting held Friday, Oct. 24, Alderman Thomas ‘TJ’ Mayfield was the lone “nay” vote against a utility cost increase for residents.
The ordinance update passed with “yes” votes from Mayor Willis Thompson and Alderwoman Vicki Bailey.
Under the new ordinance customers will be charged a minimum bill of $9.45 for the first 500 cubic feet. The rates increase for the next 2,500 cubic feet, per 1000 cubic feet at $12.03. The next 5,000 cubic feet will cost $11.67 per 1000 cubic feet. The next 2,000 cubic feet will cost $11.57 per 1,000 cubic feet. Anything in excess above that will cost $11.50 per cubic feet.
Mayor Thompson explained the adjustments were needed to combat the utility service operating at a deficit.
Alderwoman Bailey simply stated the move to the increased rates were just business and needed.
Later, Friday afternoon, Alderman Mayfield released a statement concerning why he voted the way he did.
“I understand the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s position on the need to maintain and operate our
city’s gas system. I know that providing city services requires money and careful planning.
However, I also believe we must consider how our decisions affect the people who live and work in
Vicksburg. I want to make it clear that my nay vote was not against properly managing our city’s
gas system. My vote was based on concerns about rising costs, a lack of advance notice, and the
financial challenges facing our residents. I believe we can take care of our city’s needs while also
being mindful of the people who pay for these services,” said Alderman Mayfield in the statement.
“Under the new rate structure, customers receiving general domestic gas service will have a
minimum monthly bill increase of $9.45 for the first 500 cubic feet of gas usage, plus
applicable sales tax. Before this change, customers did not have to pay this monthly minimum
gas charge.
My concern goes beyond this one increase. Our residents are already facing higher trash fees, rising
utility costs, inflation, and increased prices at the gas pump. Many families are working hard to pay
their bills and provide for their households. Senior citizens and people living on fixed incomes also
face challenges when their monthly expenses continue to rise.
I am also concerned about the lack of advance notice to customers. With the fall season already
underway and colder weather approaching, many residents will soon depend more on natural gas
to heat their homes. Adding another monthly expense without giving people enough time to prepare makes it harder for families to plan their budgets,” said Mayfield.
The full ordinance can be viewed below:
