Biloxi City Council Meeting – April 28, 2026

The April 28, 2026, regular meeting of the Biloxi City Council featured extensive discussion on the city’s financial challenges, including a $368,000 estimate for West Biloxi Library repairs with insufficient budget, the declaration of surplus property (with a key amendment removing Danella Park), and calls for revenue increases or service cuts. Public testimony and council reports highlighted frustrations over deferred maintenance, while a rezoning and consent agenda items were approved.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Amendment: Added Resolution 5L authorizing submission of a grant application to the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. Adopted unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Items:
  • Standard addendum for city contracts (updating indemnification language).
  • Standardized reductions for facility rentals (directors authorized to grant up to 50% discounts for 501(c)(3) organizations and 25% for other qualifying entities).
  • Acceptance of a bid from Southern Way Contracting for public works projects (noted significantly lower than other bidders, with verification of capacity).
  • Renewal of access control software for Public Works.
  • Resolution to apply for $5,000 beautification grant.
  • Code enforcement cases: All resolved or closed (one property to be re-filed due to change in ownership).
• Consent Agenda Adopted with no exceptions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sarah Chrysler Ruske (Director, Harrison County Library System): Urged immediate action on West Biloxi Library roof, noting a history of roof issues (at least a decade) and recent investments (carpet, HVAC). Stated that without repair, the 30,000-book collection risks mold. Requested collaboration on potential temporary relocation to Donnelly Snyder Community Center, emphasizing the time and cost of moving books.
• Bobby Gillen (Board President, Greater Biloxi Economic Development Foundation): Reported that the first “Pass Road Possibilities” tour (public-private partnership) with 30 local developers and investors was successful and energized. Encouraged the council to continue embracing local development and creative zoning.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s Report:
  • Announced new executive director for the Mardi Gras Museum.
  • GovPro Insurance Update (presented by Frank Bardot): Property renewal premium decreased by $326,979, with overall decrease of $260,256.24 despite a $9 million increase in property values. Equipment breakdown coverage premium down 30%. The self-insured deductible fund was increased to $1 million (previous $400,000). Exposure is now $500,000. The group now covers $3.4 billion in values, up from $390 million, and has 26 submissions.
  • Pops Ferry Extension: Approximately 40% complete; south side stormwater drainage between Beach Boulevard and railroad tracks nearly finished; north side retaining wall and infrastructure ongoing. Road closures scheduled south of Paris Road starting Friday at 5 p.m. Expected completion by end of year.
  • Chick-fil-A: Building permits pulled; groundbreaking imminent, with extensive landscaping.
  • Beautification: Grass cutting in effect; “Be Alert” program to launch in May after training.
• Departmental Reports (Christy Labata):
  • West Biloxi Library: Closed for several weeks due to electrical damage. Total repair estimate: $368,000 (roof $307,000, electrical $10,000, plumbing $12,000, ceiling tiles $40,000). The Public Works budget has only $59,000 for all city HVAC repairs and $935 remaining for library maintenance. The roof is not on the bond list. Suggested exploring temporary relocation to the second floor of Donnelly Snyder Community Center.
  • Inmate Litter Program: Since March 9, inmate crews collected approximately 460 bags of litter (13,800 pounds); Parks and Rec emptied 680 trash cans. Program successful but limited to 4 inmates per day.
• Council Reports:
  • Mr. Gray: Explained that surplus property declarations initiate the sales process (public bid or sum of two appraisals) but require council approval for sale. Proposed rezoning parts of East Biloxi for higher-density residential and commercial use to spur growth, noting lack of development for 20 years.
  • Mr. Nail: Hiller Park bathrooms remain unfixed; water has been cut off. The Knights of Peter Claver (KOPC) may provide volunteer labor, but timeline uncertain. Also reported Broadwater golf course grass uncut and homeless issues.
  • Mr. Creel: Thanked public works for maintenance in the Bluffs subdivision; requested evaluation of Wilderl Trace subdivision for concrete paver repairs.
  • Mr. Tisdale: Noted West Biloxi Library and Bay Vista subdivision repaving (estimated $2 million) are not on the bond list. Yielded time to Audra Wilkes Danella.
  • Audra Wilkes Danella (widow of Danella Park namesake): Opposed declaring Danella Park surplus, citing a 1901 deed from Sarah Kuhn requiring the land be used as “public grounds or children’s playground, not to be sold or used for any other purpose.” She asked the council to refurbish the field instead of selling for casino employee housing, and noted supporters (many in red shirts) who played or worked at the park.
  • Mr. Schumacher: Shucker Stadium elevator repair ($15,000) deferred due to budget priorities. Woodland Hills Drive potholes from construction trucks – no immediate solution. Emphasized Hiller Park is not for sale or lease. Criticized the city for not fixing the bathrooms with in-house staff.
  • Mr. Gray (continued): Stated the city’s low millage rate (30 mills vs. Ocean Springs 146 mills) has constrained revenue for decades. Asked whether the council would raise taxes or cut services, noting users must decide which parks or libraries to close.
  • Mr. Marshall: Expressed frustration that with 8 casinos the city cannot afford basic repairs; blamed past councils for financial mismanagement. Stated citizens pay taxes but are not receiving promised services. Urged citizens to speak up.
  • Mr. Tisdale: Provided context: Millage was 59.06 in 1992 (before casinos) and is now 30. Last millage increase was 1996. Employee pay raises ($8 million since 2021) and inflation have consumed revenue. The city is in reactive mode; either revenue must increase (millage, food/beverage tax, occupancy tax) or $6-8 million in services must be cut.
  • Mayor: Added that total city revenue is about $76 million, which should be $84 million factoring inflation. Casino revenue: $100 million total, Biloxi gets $23 million, county $10 million, Biloxi schools $7 million, other Harrison County schools $3.6 million, state $80 million. City is AA- rated (only municipality in Mississippi with that rating). Called for a plan by the next budget year.
  • Mr. Creel: Supported exploring development that could incorporate Danella Park as public green space. Revealed that three years ago a group offered to rehab the park but was denied by administration.
• Policy Agenda:
  • Ordinance (First Reading): Adoption of updated National Electrical Code – moved.
  • Second Reading – Rezoning: Change from RM-30 (high-density multifamily) to Downtown zoning for 166 and 170 Nixon Street and 640 Cop Street. Explained by Jerry Creel: The lots are only 51 feet deep, making them unbuildable under RM-30 setbacks (20′ front and rear). Downtown zoning has no setbacks. Planning Commission voted 12-0 in favor. Approved unanimously.
  • Surplus Property Resolution: Initially proposed to declare three parcels surplus, including Danella Park (parcel 17). After public testimony and council debate, Mr. Gray moved to amend by removing the park (parcel 17) and declaring only parcels 29 and 30 surplus. Amendment passed unanimously. Resolution as amended also passed unanimously.
  • Resolution Certifying Bond Publication: Certified that the resolution adopted February 10, 2026, for a bond up to $18 million was properly published and no sufficient protest was filed. Passed 5-2.

Key Outcomes

• West Biloxi Library: No immediate funding; temporary relocation under consideration; Ms. Ruske urged quick action before humidity damages books and equipment.
• Danella Park: Removed from surplus declaration; future negotiations may include preservation as public green space within any development.
• Rezoning Approved: 166/170 Nixon Street and 640 Cop Street rezoned to Downtown.
• Bond Resolution Certification: Passed 5-2 (vote tallied as five in favor, two opposed).
• Consent Agenda: Adopted, including standard addendum, facility rental discounts, bid award, and code enforcement closures.
• Code Enforcement: Eight resolved cases; two closed due to lack of appearance (violations still open).
• Next Steps: Council will consider workshops on rezoning East Biloxi and budget planning for 2027 fiscal year; administration to provide a timeline for Hiller Park bathrooms by the first meeting in May. Councilman Creel to prepare legislation to rename fields at AJ Holloway Park after historic parks (including Danella).