Board of Mayor and Aldermen focus on serving residents while saving jobs

During the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Monday, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. appeared confident the COVID-19 crises would not have a detrimental effect on the city’s ability to serve its residents.

“We still believe that we can provide the best service at the least cost to the taxpayer, without raising taxes, without bankrupting anybody and without drastic cuts from our employees,” Flaggs said.

The city is expecting a revenue loss of between $2.8 million and $3.5 million because of business and tourist-venue closures, and the cancellation of events such as the Miss Mississippi pageant.

Among the cost-saving measures the city is considering is cuts to employee salaries, furloughs and layoffs. Flaggs said previously that he would rather find short-term savings by leaving open positions unfilled and not replacing employees when they retire.

In Monday’s meeting, the board realized $133,489.01 in budget savings with the following actions:

Eliminated Positions:

• Action Line – $19,760.00
• Senior Center – $9,640.80
• Building Maintenance – $20,862.40
• Legal – $12,339.41

Retirees:

• Water and Gas Administration – $39,998.40
• Housing – $30,888.00

The board also recognized two employees for their long-term service to the city. Tena Mace and Eddie London are both celebrating 10 years with the Vicksburg Police Department.

In other business, The Chill, a local band, was approved to perform at this year’s Fourth of July celebration.