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Alderwoman defends vote on utility cost increase
Alderwoman supports utility fee increase in Vicksburg.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At the City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting held Friday, Oct. 24, Alderwoman Vicki Bailey voted in favor of increasing utility fees for gas usage. 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 Vickie 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 stated the move to the increased rates were just business and needed.
She released a statement on social media defending her vote in favor of the increase. The statement said the following:
“On October 23, 2026, I voted in support of the ordinance establishing monthly service charges for the City’s natural gas utility customers. I understand the concerns regarding increased utility costs, and I want to explain the financial circumstances behind my decision.
In October 2025, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen was informed by Utility Management Corporation (UMC), the City’s contracted gas administrator, and the City’s Finance Director that our natural gas utility system was operating at a financial loss.
Based on their financial projections, the City’s anticipated gas revenue shortfall for 2025 was approximately $1,011,602.15. This shortfall was attributed to rising natural gas market prices and costs associated with pipeline operations, transportation, and storage.
On October 7, 2025, the Board approved an increase in the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) to help address the cost of purchasing natural gas.
However, purchasing natural gas is only one part of providing this essential service. The City must also fund the maintenance, repair, operation, and improvement of its gas distribution system.
Prior to today’s ordinance, the City did not collect a separate monthly gas service charge to support
those ongoing costs. The ordinance adopted today establishes an additional monthly service charge of $10.75 for residential customers and $40.50 for commercial customers, in addition to applicable gas usage
charges. I recognize that these charges represent an additional expense for households and businesses.
I am not only your Alderwoman. I am also a resident, taxpayer, and consumer of City services. This
decision affects my household as well.
These financial challenges did not develop overnight. In my opinion, the need to adequately address the cost of providing municipal services should have received sustained attention many years ago.
Today, this administration must confront existing financial challenges while continuing to operate our City and provide essential services.
We have a City to run, and we cannot continue operating our utilities at a financial loss without taking responsible corrective action.
When I ran for office, I committed to effective, efficient, and accountable government, providing quality services at the lowest reasonable cost while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars. That commitment has not changed.
I also believe that increased service charges must be accompanied by careful financial oversight, cost controls, operational efficiency, and accountability for how these additional revenues are spent.
I respect those who disagree with today’s decision, and I recognize the financial challenges facing our residents, especially seniors, families on fixed incomes, and small businesses.
Nevertheless, postponing financial obligations does not eliminate them.
I stand by my vote today. My decision was based on the financial information presented to the Board and my responsibility to help maintain reliable City services while addressing the financial condition of our natural gas utility system.
I remain committed to responsible financial management, transparency, accountability, and protecting the long-term interests of the City of Vicksburg.”
The full ordinance can be viewed below:
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