City of Biloxi Budget Workshop – August 11, 2026

The Biloxi City Council held a budget workshop on August 11, 2026, to discuss departmental budgets for fiscal year 2026-2027. The workshop focused on revenue generation, expenditure reductions, and operational challenges across multiple departments. The council aimed to reach consensus on budget adjustments before final adoption.

Discussion Items

• Parks and Recreation (AJ Holloway Sports Complex):

  • Councilman Glavin proposed maintaining at least three tournaments instead of two, suggesting increased fees for tournament directors and expanded sponsorships to cover costs. He emphasized the $5.1 million investment requires revenue generation.
  • Councilman Creel supported Glavin, recommending flexible scheduling to reduce overtime, rotational weekend work, and charging deposits for league use. He noted that limiting tournaments reduces sales tax revenue, citing estimates of $1.8 million in sales tax from tournaments.
  • Director Lee explained staffing constraints: the same crews that cut grass must also staff tournaments. He noted that fall softball is cancelled due to funding and staffing, and that football, basketball, and soccer are run in-house while baseball and soccer have league boards.
  • Councilman Marshall stated the facility is underperforming, saying "that facility being managed the way it's been managed is underperforming." He offered to form a committee with Glavin and Creel to develop a plan.
  • Councilman Schumacher expressed disappointment about cutting fall softball, calling it "a direct reflection of the city of Biloxi and what we've failed." He argued the city should be able to juggle grass cutting and tournaments like other cities.
  • Councilman Gray suggested creating a dedicated grass-cutting crew separate from parks to improve efficiency.
  • Councilman Nale echoed the need for dedicated grass-cutting supervision.
  • Assistant City Manager Weaver noted the administration is working on a plan to raise fees so overtime costs are covered by users, and that the budget is balanced as directed by the council.

• Port Division:

  • Director Johnson proposed increasing charter boat fees from $3 to $4 per foot (generating ~$23,000 annually) and tournament rates from $3 to $3.25 per foot (estimated ~$11,000) to cover electrical costs. The increases are not yet in the budget.

• Police Department:

  • Interim Chief Everett stated the department has 125 authorized officers, with two vacancies. He indicated 163 officers are needed for comfortable staffing of events.
  • Councilman Tisdale suggested reducing the tuition line item from $50,000 to $40,000, citing historical spending. The administration agreed to consider it.
  • Councilman Tisdale also proposed lowering the Harrison County jail budget from $700,000 to $600,000, but the chief and administration argued $700,000 is appropriate given medical costs. The council did not force a reduction.
  • Councilman Marshall asked about the impact of cuts. Chief Everett said response times would be maintained, but specialty units (proactive squad, traffic, homeless outreach) would be reduced.
  • Councilman Gray questioned fees for special events; the fee structure is tiered, with smaller events having minimal fees.

• Fire Department:

  • Chief Geiser reported a proposed reduction from 162 to 159 personnel, leaving 53 per shift (minimum staffing 46). He said this would increase overtime and impact morale, noting increased cancer risk and mental health strain. The five-year plan aims for 180 personnel.
  • Councilman Marshall asked about the effect of cuts; Chief Geiser said they can make do but kicking capital needs down the road will eventually affect fire rating.

• Legal Department:

  • Court Administrator Lakich noted a change: a retiring part-time judge will be replaced by a contracted judge, shifting costs from salary to contractual services. The special assessments balance remains near $300,000.
  • Councilman Creel asked about a $24,000 reduction in jail-related legal costs; it is offset by a grant.

• Executive and Administrative:

  • B-News: Council discussed eliminating print mailings; the budget assumes quarterly mailings (cost ~$175,000) plus digital. Annual print cost would be $335,000 with $100,000 advertising revenue. No funds are budgeted for B-News; required legal notices will still be mailed.
  • BTV: Communications Director Cecilia outlined BTV costs. Council considered reducing the budget to $20,000, but staff noted it would limit programming. No sponsorship allowed per franchise agreement. Council members can provide content for inclusion.
  • Lobbyist (Key Impact): Councilman Gray criticized the lobbyist for not addressing the council and suggested redirecting the $96,000 to economic development. Councilman Glavin proposed reviewing multiple lobbyists. Mayor Stallworth noted value in lobbying but was open to exploring options. Consensus leaned toward reviewing alternatives.

• Legislative Branch (Council Budget):

  • Councilman Marshall argued the council is a constitutional branch, not a department, and needs adequate funding for ward meetings, travel, and printing. He suggested using the prior year's budget as a baseline.
  • Councilman Tisdale noted the council's travel and supplies are already out-of-pocket. Council will ask Clerk Carrie to prepare a request based on prior year levels for discussion by Thursday, August 13.

Key Outcomes

• The council directed the administration to increase revenue projections in the parks budget, especially for tournaments, and to work with a committee (Glavin, Creel, Marshall) to improve operations. Fall softball will be reconsidered.
• Port fee increases will be added to the budget.
• Police tuition line item is tentatively reduced by $10,000; jail budget remains at $700,000.
• Fire budget reductions are accepted as proposed, with recognition of long-term needs.
• B-News will not be printed monthly; quarterly mailings and digital alternatives will be used.
• The lobbyist contract ($96,000) may be redirected; council will consider proposals from other firms. A presentation from an economic development firm is scheduled for a special meeting on August 25, 2026, following the regular council session.
• The legislative branch budget will be finalized after Clerk Carrie provides a needs assessment based on the prior year's levels.
• The meeting adjourned on a 7-0 vote.