Garbage rates will increase

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At the Jan. 6 meeting of the city board meeting, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced that garbage collection rates will increase in July 2025.

The increase will be necessary to address the revenue shortfalls related to the Flaggs/Monsour administration’s city garbage contract. The management of the garbage contract and subsequent collection of fees by the out-going administration has resulted in a projected revenue shortfall of $1.5-1.6 million. The administration transferred city money from other city accounts to attempt to cover the collections shortfall.

In an official opinion issued December 30, 2024, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch clarified that the city “…may not use general funds” to cover the cost of garbage collection. The outgoing Flaggs/Monsour administration acknowledged they were not in compliance with state code in their January 6 meeting. Regardless, they delayed action on the issue until after the election. That shortfall is now estimated to be close to $1.6 million.

“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,” City of Vicksburg Accounting Director Doug Whittington said at that meeting. “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.”

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

Now that Mayor Flaggs and Alderman Monsour have been voted out of office, the unpaid shortfall is being left for the Thompson administration to clean up.

You can see a copy of the Attorney General’s official opinion at the end of this story.

Thompson, Bailey, and Mayfield respond

“It’s always bad when you’re paying more money for less service,” said Mayor-elect Willis Thompson. “The agreement signed was not in the best interest of Vicksburg residents. Furthermore, if the rates had been adjusted as the law requires, we wouldn’t be in a deficit and the rate would be lower. I’m told we have an approximate $1.6 million deficit as it relates to the city of Vicksburg’s garbage contract with Waste Management. This will be one of the first issues the new board will address after being sworn in. We’re going to follow the law, solve these tough problems, and tell taxpayers the truth about the city’s finances.”

“I am aware that our community is facing pressing challenges, including the ongoing Waste Management issue,” Incoming Ward II Alderwoman Vickie Bailey said. “Please be assured that addressing this is a top priority for our administration. We have to develop a plan to tackle it immediately upon taking office.Our commitment is to resolve this issue with as little disruption and pressure to our constituents as possible. We appreciate your patience and support as we work toward a solution that serves the best interests of all Vicksburg residents.”

“When I met with two new members of the new administration, one of the first issues I mentioned was the upcoming rise in trash rates,” Thomas “TJ” Mayfield added. “No elected official ever wants to raise taxes or rates for public services. But, due to politics and a misinformed vote of my own, the can has been kicked down the road even further. Although our taxpayers will be disappointed with this decision, it is vital that we are compliant with state laws.”

The numbers

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 projected shortfall is expected to range between $1.4 million and $1.6 million.

The rate increase to cover the deficit alone will depend on the exact number at the time the increase is determined and the repayment timeline set by the city. If repaid in a single year, the increase will be approximately $16 per month for each user just to cover the deficit. An additional increase will be needed to cover current operating costs. Citizens can anticipate an estimated $20 or greater increase in their garbage rate from the city if the repayment plan attempts to cover the deficit in one year.