Special Called Budget Aug 4, 2026

The City of Biloxi held a Special Called Budget workshop on August 4, 2026, focusing on budget discussions for the Water and Sewer Division, Engineering Department, and Public Works Department. Key procurement-related topics included a proposed reduction of $212,261 in the Engineering budget with the addition of a GIS analyst position, and a significant $1.54 million cut in the Public Works budget, including reductions in supplies, services, and personnel from 62 to 58 employees. The Public Works department will have no capital outlay this year, delaying purchases of equipment such as mowers and blowers. The Water and Sewer budget includes a $77,583 increase, reflecting plans to privatize operations and maintenance through a contract, with a reduction of city employees from 31 to 1 and an increase in contracted staff. Capital outlay for water and sewer includes upgrades to wells, lift stations, and meters. The privatization RFP received only one bid, and contract negotiations are ongoing. Discussions also covered potential impacts on service levels, such as reduced grass cutting frequency and street sweeping, and the need for a water rate study due to rising costs. Council members expressed concern about the budget cuts' impact on service quality and emphasized the need to find additional revenue sources. No final budget decisions were made; the workshop served to gather input before the formal budget approval process.