Mayor Willis Thompson to propose interim status for appointed officials; launching review of all city contracts

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At the first regularly scheduled meeting of the new Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday, July 7, 2025, Mayor Willis Thompson is expected to propose designating all individuals currently serving in appointed city positions as “interim.” 

The move is intended to give the new board time to thoroughly evaluate each role and determine the best leadership team to carry out the city’s goals.

“As mayor, I believe in building a team that reflects the values, work ethic, and vision the people of Vicksburg expect,” Thompson said. “Designating these individuals as interim gives this new board the opportunity to meet with each appointee, evaluate performance, and ensure we’re putting the most qualified individuals in place to serve this community.”

Thompson emphasized that the proposal is about transparency, accountability, and giving every department the opportunity to start fresh with a renewed commitment to excellence.

“We’re putting people over politics,” Thompson said. “This is about forming a team that’s committed to action and focused on results for this community.”

Thompson also made clear that his approach is thoughtful and deliberate—not change for the sake of change.

“I don’t believe in change just to make noise,” he said. “But I do believe in taking a hard look at what’s working, what’s not, and making the decisions that move Vicksburg forward.”

In addition to reviewing appointments, Thompson also plans to initiate a full review of all active city contracts. The goal, he said, is to identify outdated, ineffective, or unnecessary agreements to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is being spent responsibly and in the best interest of the public.

Under Mississippi law, newly elected boards of mayor and aldermen have broad authority to modify or rescind contracts approved by prior administrations—except in cases where contracts are specifically protected by statute.

“From leadership to legal agreements, everything is on the table,” Thompson added. “We’re here to serve the people of Vicksburg with integrity, and that starts with making sure every position and every contract aligns with that mission. I look forward to working with this new board in a responsible way to accomplish that goal.”