Biloxi City Council Budget Workshop: July 21, 2026

The Biloxi City Council met on July 21, 2026, for a budget workshop focusing on the legal department, port division, and fire department. The meeting included reviews of proposed budgets, staffing concerns, and a presentation on a resort development proposal for East Biloxi. Key discussions centered on revenue challenges, potential cuts, and the need for future growth planning.

Legal Department

• Mr. Lekich presented the legal department's budget, noting a roughly 3% increase in services and charges. Councilman Creel clarified that a $24,000 grant for center-through-nine violence was not budgeted because its future availability is uncertain; if it becomes available next year, a budget amendment would be required. Councilman Tisdale questioned whether the department’s $624,000 budget had been updated after a recent $200,000 amendment, raising the actual figure to $824,000. Mr. Lekich confirmed the discrepancy was due to the document being pulled in June, and the net effect was approximately a wash.

Port Division

• Ms. Johnson presented the port division’s budget. Councilman Tisdale and Councilman Gray praised her staff for outstanding work, especially during the recent Billfish tournament, and noted positive comments from visitors. Councilman Creel asked about line items 6830 and 6899 (transportation equipment and reserved), which were clarified as vehicles and equipment. The increase in salaries (item 6010) was due to transferring bridge tenders from public works to the port, considered a better fit. A decrease in salary and wages was attributed to a retirement and replacement at a lower salary. Garbage adjustment costs were previously coded to the general fund but will now be split to the port.

Fire Department

• Chief Geyser presented the fire department’s budget. The department is currently operating with 162 firefighters (down from 172 in 2017) and faces a proposed reduction of three positions to 159, which would leave staffing at about 53 per shift—very close to the minimum daily staffing of 46. The chief noted that this could lead to increased overtime. Councilman Creel questioned the reduction in vehicle outside force (item 6610), attributed to a reverse from an insurance claim. Software costs were reduced by moving $35,000 to a fire rebate fund. The chief stated he has been requesting 18 additional firefighters for years (at an estimated cost of $71,000 each, or about $1.2 million total) to adequately staff shifts and maintain NFPA standards (17 firefighters on scene for a structure fire). Councilman Tisdale noted that future development, especially north of the city, will require more firefighters and law enforcement, and that maintaining a fire rating of 2 (versus 3) is critical for commercial insurance premiums.

Key Outcomes

• The legal department’s budget was discussed with no formal vote taken; it remains under consideration.
• The port division’s budget was discussed with no formal vote taken; it remains under consideration.
• The fire department’s budget was discussed with no formal vote taken; it remains under consideration. The chief expressed concern about staffing levels and the need for additional positions.
• Councilman Creel emphasized the need to explore revenue opportunities, such as a full-time grant writer or commission-based grant services, and to task revenue-generating departments with increasing income.
• A presentation by Mr. Marshall proposed the establishment of a resort development in East Biloxi, described as a working document and framework for future discussion. No vote was taken.
• The meeting was adjourned on a 7-0 vote after the motion was withdrawn and reintroduced.