City board votes to reduce Mayor’s salary by $20k, effective June 30

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Tuesday to approve an ordinance reducing the mayor’s salary annually, bringing the total compensation for the position to just over $106,500 per year, down from $126,000. Alderman Mayfield abstained from the vote.

According to the ordinance, the mayor will now receive an annual salary of $106,520.67, payable bi-weekly, for fulfilling the duties of both mayor and city treasurer. Each alderman will continue to receive $87,781.41 annually, also paid bi-weekly.

The ordinance stipulates that the mayor and aldermen must devote their full time — or as much as necessary — to the operation of city government. It prohibits them from engaging in outside business or activities that may interfere with the efficient performance of their official duties, as outlined by state law and the city charter.

In the meet the candidates forum held in May, when the discussion of a decrease in salary was asked of the candidates, Flaggs said that he would consider reducing his salary and put the money towards the Youth Development Center.

“This is where I had spoken about putting the $20,000 into the youth program, but I’m not going to be here. I’m going to let the next administration decide where that $20,000 will go,” said Mayor George Flaggs.