Ameristar Casino to lay off 150 employees Aug. 15

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Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Monday that Ameristar Casino and Hotel gave him some bad news. Flaggs received an official letter Monday morning from Ameristar saying it will lay off 150 people Aug. 15.

The city’s revenue was drastically affected by casino closures. Flaggs reported that the gaming tax revenues for April were $10.42. He is continuing to seek a federal or state stimulus package for the city to help combat its revenue losses.

“I commend the citizens of Vicksburg for what you are doing and attitude you have toward the city while trying to help us economically,” Flaggs said.

Even with the revenue losses due to COVID-19 restrictions, the city is cautiously optimistic about not laying off city employees. As people retire and leave, the city will look at those positions to determine if they are essential enough to rehire or whether the work can be reassigned to others.

“We won’t have to reduce pay or lay off a mass reduction of workers if we act accordingly,” Flaggs said.

Later in the meeting, Flaggs recognized employee anniversaries. Derrick Stamps, Andrew Rodgers and Michael Walker were recognized for 20 years of service with the Vicksburg Fire Department.

Also, the board approved the third annual Star-Spangled Night Run during the meeting. This event will be Saturday, June 27, starting at 8 p.m. For information, visit the event Facebook page.