City Garbage Rates Will Increase Again

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At the Jan. 6 meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA), Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced that garbage collection rates will increase in July 2025 to address a revenue shortfall and repay borrowed funds.

The exact amount of the increase has not yet been determined, but it will cover the deficit caused by the city not adequately raising rates to match costs.

At the meeting, City Accounting Director Doug Whittington cited an attorney general’s opinion and read an email explaining the city’s position, pointing directly at Mayor Flaggs.

“Due to the attorney general’s opinion dated Dec. 30, 2024, the city will no longer adopt a budget that uses general funds to cover the collection and disposal of garbage and rubbish,” Whittington said. “As soon as reasonably possible, on or after July 1, 2025, the board will determine a timeline to repay the loan and increase garbage rates to achieve that goal. Once the city repays the loan, the rate may be lowered to cover the city’s costs and a nominal amount for supplies.”

Flaggs responded, “So effective, as early, I guess, as July 1, we’ll make the adjustments.”

Garbage collection in Vicksburg

According to city records, as of January 2025, Vicksburg has 7,358 homes and businesses relying on municipal garbage collection. At that time, the garbage collection fund was $1.1 million short. By July 1, 2025, the shortfall is projected to reach between $1.4 million and $1.5 million.

The rate increase to cover the deficit alone will depend on the deficit at the time and the repayment timeline set by the city. If repaid in a single year, the increase will be approximately $16 monthly increase for each user to cover the deficit. An additional increase will be needed to cover current operating costs.

Here is a copy of the Attorney General’s opinion: