Biloxi City Council Meeting — July 8, 2026

The Biloxi City Council held its regular meeting on July 8, 2026, lasting approximately two hours. The meeting featured a major debate over a general obligation bond, updates on tropical storm Arthur response and grass cutting, and extensive public testimony on flooding and the lack of a grocery store in East Biloxi. The council also approved leadership appointments and routine agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Myra Bryant (resident of Floyd Drive) described severe flooding on June 19, 2026, during Tropical Storm Arthur. She stated that over a foot of water entered her home, forcing her family to escape through a back window, and that the fire department marked them as evacuated but never returned. She reported sewage coming from toilets and said she lost all belongings. She criticized the city’s drainage system, noting that the home was not in a flood zone and did not flood during Hurricane Katrina.
• Kenneth Myers (corner of Honeywood Drive and Floyd) argued that a neglected drainage ditch was a major cause of widespread flooding on Floyd Drive. He stated that the ditch has not been maintained for years and that in 1994 a court mandated its maintenance. He pleaded for immediate ditch cleaning, not waiting until winter. His daughter Wendy Myers added that her father’s wife (stage six dementia) had to be moved out of state for safety, and that the family is living in a camper.
• Hope Spencer (returning East Biloxi resident) spoke in favor of a grocery store in East Biloxi, calling it a need for seniors and families. She asked the council to prioritize funding and partnerships to bring a grocery store back to the area.
• Several pastors and community members (Kenneth Hollins, Carolyn Wilborn, Nia Sche, Luther Fairley, etc.) urged the council to invest in East Biloxi. They requested a grocery store and a recreational facility for youth, stating that 20% of Biloxi residents live in a food desert. Some spoke against the council’s priorities, accusing the body of neglecting East Biloxi for years.
• Janet Kavanaugh thanked the council for new scoreboards at the ballpark, reporting that the 12-year-old youth team won the district championship.
• Joseph Lesalvia (Ward 1 resident) raised concerns about train horn noise and frequent accidents at rail crossings. He proposed supplementary safety measures (four‑quadrant gates or medians) to create quiet zones and improve safety, noting a collision a week prior that injured two people.
• A statement from former councilman Eric Dickey read by Deborah McGee urged a vote in favor of the bond issue.

Discussion Items

Storm Response and Grass Cutting Update

Director Labata reported that the city is behind on grass cutting due to storm response. In the two weeks since Tropical Storm Arthur, public works completed 157 storm‑related work orders, set up barricades for two special events (Scraping the Coast and Fourth of July), and flushed drains. Crews are now returning to routine mowing. She noted that major roads and parks are being caught up, and a crew of three employees plus five temps is working on the cemetery, which has been neglected.

Appointments

• Paul A. Tisdale was appointed President of the Biloxi City Council by unanimous vote (7‑0).
• Jamie Creel was appointed Vice President of the Biloxi City Council by unanimous vote (7‑0).

Conditional Use Approval for Multifamily Buildings

A resolution granting conditional use approval for two multifamily buildings at 245 Porter Avenue and 1088 Judge Sekul Avenue passed 7‑0. The project will create 12 new units and restore an existing eight‑plex, for a total of 20 units.

General Obligation Bond Resolution (Up to $13 Million)

The council extensively debated a resolution to issue general obligation bonds. The initial amount on the agenda was up to $13 million. Councilman Marshall moved to amend to $18 million, arguing that East Biloxi needs land acquisition for a grocery store. After several failed amendments ($18M failed, $5M failed, $10M failed), a motion for $16.5 million passed on a 4‑3 vote. The final amended resolution for $16.5 million also passed 4‑3. The bond funds are intended for city‑wide infrastructure projects including roofs, generators, drainage, and other critical repairs. Mayor Gillich stated that the money can be used as match for grants and that inflation (7% annually) makes borrowing at 4% prudent. City Attorney noted that GO bond money cannot be used to acquire land for a grocery store but can be used for street, sidewalk, and lighting improvements that might attract a grocer. Several council members expressed support for a grocery store but preferred other financing tools such as TIF bonds.

Key Outcomes

• First Appointments confirmed (7‑0).
• Conditional use approval granted (7‑0) for multifamily buildings on Porter Avenue and Judge Sekul Avenue.
• General obligation bond of $16.5 million passed on a 4‑3 vote. (Vote breakdown not explicitly stated but appeared to be Marshall, Gray, Nail, and one other in favor; Creel, Tisdale, Shoemaker, Glavin opposed? The transcript shows a 4‑3 vote twice. Exact roll call not provided.)
• The council approved the consent agenda and multiple code enforcement cases, granting a two‑week extension for one property.
• The meeting was adjourned in memory of Nolan Wells, Robert Johnson, and Anthony Smith.
• A special meeting was announced for July 15, 2026 at 1:30 PM to receive the annual audit and budget report.