As summer wanes and gives way to a new school year, one tradition well underway for the City of Hattiesburg is the crafting of a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. For most cities in our state, fiscal years run from October 1 to September 30. This differs from fiscal years at the State of Mississippi and most school districts, which run from July 1 to June 30.

For our administration and the City Council, our first budget of the new term (passed last year) was simple in its objectives. We had to try and make good on previous commitments made to projects such as Midtown and Regions. We made small increases to paving; rewarded longer tenured employees in Public Works, Parks & Recreation and Water & Sewer with wage increases; and set the stage to begin construction on a long-awaited police station and ninth fire station.

Of course, our capacity to move the city forward was hampered, in many cases, to the city’s inability to complete audits in a timely manner. (As of July 2017, there had not been a completed audit since Fiscal Year 2014.) However, with the work of a committed staff, we have finished audits for both Fiscal Year 2015 and Fiscal Year 2016. We fully expect to finish the Fiscal Year 2017 audit by year’s end, which will set us up to hopefully regain our Moody’s rating.

As we look toward consideration of a Fiscal Year 2019 budget, we confront another long-term challenge in our city’s fiscal health: the structural imbalance of our budget in recent years.

For the past seven budget cycles, the city has adopted budgets where, in many cases, planned expenses far outpace projected revenues. By the end of the next fiscal year (some 12 months later), the city has balanced the budget by either a)not spending everything it planned to spend (for example, by not filling each funded position); or b)rolling over ending cash into the next year to inflate revenue numbers.

Regardless of how we walk the tightrope to finishing ahead, this practice is a bad way of running government because it fails to tell the real story of the city’s financial health and budget practices. It also hinders us from developing a sustainable approach to growing cash reserves that can be used during an economic downturn or following a natural disaster.

In fact, according to our chief financial officer’s records, the last year that the City of Hattiesburg passed a truly balanced budget (where projected revenues matched or exceeded planned expenses) was Fiscal Year 2011. Since then, these “structural deficits” have ranged from $413,408 in FY 2012 to as much as $3.6 million in FY 2016. The current year’s structural deficit stands at $3.47 million.

This budget practice must stop if we are to truly to regain some semblance of solid and sustainable financial footing. However, making up a $3.47 million deficit will not happen in one budget year or even two to three budget years. Moving us back to structurally balanced budgets will take several consecutive years of fiscal discipline. It will involve restraint, planning and a few hard choices.

The budget that we will present at this Tuesday’s budget hearing trims this structural deficit to just under $2.7 million (which was the Fiscal Year 2015 level). At the same time, we will propose making additional investments in public safety and paving. While everyone will not get every objective or project they want (myself included), this proposed budget allows us to make measured progress on closing our budget gap. However, to make further progress in the year after that (the FY 2020 budget), we will face more hard choices.

Despite our current challenges, our vision is clear. Hattiesburg will become a premier city in the Gulf South. Your municipal government will, therefore, do its part to move toward fiscal stability to support our city’s continued growth and development.

We hope that you will consider attending Tuesday’s budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers.

All my best,

NICHOLAS BROWN
Ward 5 Councilman

It has been the biggest honor and privilege to not only work for Ward 5, but for all of Hattiesburg this past year. Without a doubt, we’ve worked very hard and have gotten a lot of stuff done - but it wouldn’t have been achieved without the guidance, feedback and concerns expressed by you, the citizens.

From the new pavilion at Sullivan Park to the back-to-school supply drives, it’s very clear what can happen when hard work and collaboration happen together. And our job as public servants is to help take your ideas and concerns and make them a reality (or at least move the needle in getting stuff done). While we’ve accomplished a lot in the last year, there’s still so much left to do. I believe wholeheartedly that our senior citizens are the foundation of our community and that our youth are our future - no matter the neighborhood. And, we have a lot of work to do to make sure both of those groups and every person in between are taken care of.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey and I look forward to having more conversations with you and working even harder for you.

If you need anything from us, please reach out at 601-545-4551.

SAVE THE DATE!

On October 27, the City of Hattiesburg will host a neighborhood clean-up initiative in conjunction with Make a Difference Day. If you would like to volunteer to help in a neighborhood or to establish an event for your neighborhood, please fill out the form below. 

Each issue, we’ll highlight a division and/or department that plays an integral role in the operation of our city. For this issue, we’re proud to tell you a little more about the Solid Waste & Recycling Division.

Solid Waste & Recycling are responsible for maintaining the pick-up routes for garbage, trash, large debris and recycling. For Hattiesburg residents, this includes the pick-up of your green can (garbage), brown can (yard debris) and recycling (if you opt-in for the recycling program).

Below is a guide for helping decide what goes in which can:

Green Can (Garbage)

This can is designed for your traditional household waste. It will be picked up on Mondays or Tuesdays (depending on where you live), and it will be transported to a landfill.


Brown Can (Yard Debris)

If you spend all day in the yard and it produces grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, small shrub clippings and weeds - it goes in this can. This can is picked up on Wednesdays and Thursdays, depending on where you live. Special pickups can be made for large debris at 601-545-4500, but that service is specifically for the items that will NOT fit in your brown or green can.

Blue Can (Recyclable Materials)

If you choose to opt in for this program (for $3 additional per month on your water bill), recycling at home can be easy. Simply place the following items in your blue can instead of your green can: aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, magazines, newspapers, paper products, unwanted mail and plastics (laundry detergent bottles, milk and juice jugs, mouthwash bottles, beverage bottles and caps and shampoo bottles). Currently, our program does not allow for glass of any kind, motor oil, tires, food or liquid, plastic bags, clothing or linens, or big items like wood, plastic furniture or metal. This can is picked up weekly:

• Ward 1 – Monday

• Ward 2 – Tuesday

• Ward 3 – Wednesday

• Ward 4 – Thursday

• Ward 5 – Friday

LABOR DAY PICK-UP SERVICE SCHEDULE

On Monday, Sept.3, City Hall will be closed and pick-up services will not run due to the Labor Day holiday.

We will operate an abbreviated schedule to make sure everyone's trash, garbage and recycling are picked up. Please see the full schedule below:

Mon., September 3

• CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY

Tues., September 4

• Garbage (green cans) routinely collected on Mondays.
• Heavy trash & recycling (blue cans) for Wards 1 & 2.

Wed., September 5

• Garbage (green cans) routinely collected on Tuesdays
• Heavy trash & recycling (blue cans) for Ward 3.

Thurs., September 6

• Trash (brown cans) routinely collected on Wednesdays.
• Heavy trash & recycling (blue cans) for Ward 4.

Fri., September 7

• Trash (brown cans) routinely collected on Thursdays.
• Heavy trash & recycling (blue cans) for Ward 5.

Twice a month, Hattiesburg City Council members meet to review and vote on legislation that allows the city to operate. This includes everything from budgets and ordinances to the launch of new projects, use of facilities and the purchase of vehicles. In this section, we will highlight the meat and potatoes of council meetings and how that legislation has an impact on you - the resident. 

2018-514 : Appoint Sherrocko Stewart as Fire Chief (June 2018)

Adopt a resolution appointing Sherrocko Stewart as Chief of the Hattiesburg Fire Department.  

High Note: After six months of interim leadership, Mayor Toby Barker appointed Sherrocko Stewart as the Fire Chief for the Hattiesburg Fire Department.

2018-503 : Establish a Floodplain Management Planning Committee (June 2018)

Adopt a resolution to establish a Floodplain Management Planning Committee to produce an overall strategy of programs and measures that will reduce the adverse impact of the flood hazard and help meet other community needs.

2018-563 : City Offers CDL Training to Employees through MOU with PRCC (July 2018)

2018-582 : City Applies for BUILD Grant (July 2018)

018-615 : Acknowledge the Receipt of the 2016 Audit (July 2018)

Acknowledge receipt of the Audited FInancial Statements of the City of Hattiesburg for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, from Topp McWhorter, Harvey PLLC.

High Note: This audit is a significant step forward for our city to regain its financial stability. City administration worked very hard to get the 2015 audit completed by December of last year; and in less than 8 months, the audit for FY 2016 is now complete. The city will work with auditors to immediately move into getting 2017 underway. After all audits are complete to date, the City will prudently move to reapply for its bond rating with Moody’s and begin applying for grant opportunities that will benefit the quality of life, infrastructure and public safety for the citizens of Hattiesburg. 

2018-600 : House Bill 1104 Incorporation into City of Hattiesburg Ordinances (July 2018)

Adopt an ordinance amending Section 16-75 (9-B) and Exhibit (A) of the Municipal Code of Ordinances of the City of Hattiesburg last amended by Ordinance Number 2714, adopted February 8, 2000; in order to incorporate legislative changes (House Bill 1114) to Mississippi Code section 21-19-11 into the local ordinances for the City of Hattiesburg.

High Note: House Bill 1114 allows for a quicker process for adjudicating properties in need of cleaning due to the determination that they are a menace to public health, safety and welfare. By incorporating this bill into our city ordinances, our code enforcement officers are able to expedite processes for dilapidated and neglected properties, ultimately aiding in the beautification efforts of our city. 

Don't contribute to the plastic bottle and aluminum can trail to the moon. Recycle instead!

The City of Hattiesburg has more than 650 dedicated employees who go above and beyond to provide city services to residents, businesses and visitors. We're proud to highlight the following employees who provide an exemplary level of customer service and encompass a dedicated work ethic. 

Cecilia Jones, Deputy Clerk
City Clerk’s Office
As deputy clerk, Cecilia performs a variety of day-to-day clerical duties, like answering official correspondence with the clerk’s office and records management. But, she also plays a vital role in organizing and supervising elections and managing records from the council meetings. She’s often on the front line of interaction if you walk into City Hall, and she strives daily to provide the best customer service possible.  

Paul Hoffer, Systems Operator
Water Department
Paul is the systems operator for the City’s water plants. His primary responsibility is to make sure the city is in compliance with the State of Mississippi’s health regulations. He performs chemical tests to remain within correct parameters identified by the state and federal governments, which plays a vital role in supplying potable water to our citizens. Recently, Paul’s efforts (along with our employees at the water plants) helped the city score a perfect score with the 2018 inspection from the Health Department.

Stephanie Hall, Administrative Assistant
Urban Development
If you happen to interact with any of our division managers, staff or the director of Urban Development, you are also working with Stephanie in some capacity. She supports the above in all day-to-day functions from reporting to scheduling and everything in-between. Urban Development covers a wide variety of functions, including permitting, building inspections, code enforcement, mass transit and more. She is the right hand of the department’s director and is an integral part of the department’s team.

D’Johnny Jackson, Facility Maintenance Repairer
Public Works/Construction
D’Johnny has worked for the City for three years and serves the City through the many internal and external projects handled by the construction department. This includes anything from staging support for an event to the in-house renovation of a facility. If you see D’Johnny, you’ll often see him asking how he can help; and he plays a vital role as team morale booster and cheerleader.

In July, Hub City Transit launched new routes, made comprehensive upgrades to current routes and upgraded signage all throughout the city. With the purpose of operating a mass transit system that meets the needs of our residents, we continue to tweak and upgrade the Hub City Transit experience. To learn more about the routes, times for stops and more, visit: http://www.hattiesburgms.com/hct/.

Additional resources include:

• Bus Routes
• Bus Times

HCT routes are also pre-loaded into Google Maps. Submit a Hattiesburg address in "get directions" and click the transit icon to pull up routes that will get you where you want to go!

The City of Hattiesburg is constantly in a state of improvement, whether it's paving roads, new water and sewer infrastructure projects or neighborhood beautification. Through this section, we'll give you a glimpse at the status of projects for our city. From issue to issue, newer projects will be listed at the beginning. You will also see the same projects listed in  past issues but with notes for where the project currently stands.
 

Camp Street Water & Sewer Improvement Project 
In July, Mayor Barker and Councilwoman Mary Dryden announced a water and sewer improvement project along Camp Street that will significantly improve water pressure, decrease the occurrence of brown water, replace smaller water lines and replace aging sewer lines. The project cost is $3.7 Million and will feature new water lines, lateral water improvements to individual houses (connecting them to properly sized 6”-8” lines that were installed prior to now) and new sewer lines. 

Residents in the Parkhaven neighborhood can expect to see work begin in the next 60 days, with anticipation that the project will take approximately 18-24 months for completion. [see video]

North Avenues Water & Sewer Improvement Project 
In August, Mayor Toby Barker, Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey George and Ward 4 Councilwoman Mary Dryden announced two water and sewer improvement projects: one for the areas between Quinn Street and Pearl Street in Ward 4’s Longleaf Heights Neighborhood and one in the areas around Ward 1’s North 39th Avenue and North 40th Avenue.

In Ward 4, the cost for this project is $2.9 million, which comes from funding initially designated for a mechanical wastewater treatment facility but is now redirected toward existing infrastructure. Construction in the Longleaf Heights neighborhood is expected to begin within 30 days and will last approximately 12 months. At the conclusion, all affected roads will be resurfaced.

In Ward 1, the project, which will take up to nine months to complete, will cost just under $800,000 and will be paid from annual water and sewer collections that have been designated for infrastructure replacement. [see video]

West 4th Street
In October, we announced an infrastructure project for West 4th Street, between Hutchinson Avenue and North Street, to include new drainage, curb work, gutters, new light signals, sidewalks, a turn lane and median. Between weather-related setbacks and a few other unanticipated obstacles, this project is now slated to be complete by the end of June. [see video]

UPDATE: This project is now slated to be complete by the end of September.
 
Lamar Boulevard
In March, Mayor Barker announced the 18-24 month plan for Lamar Boulevard. This project, which will entail new water and sewer infrastructure and street reconstruction to realistically support the traffic, is moving along as scheduled. The contractor is currently installing sewer lines. [see video]

UPDATE: The contractor is 90% complete with the construction of the sewer project.   
 
Duke Avenue/Dogwood/Corinne Sewer Project
In December, Mayor Barker and Councilwoman Deborah Delgado announced a sewer project for Duke Avenue, Dogwood Drive and Corinne Street. This project entails replacing and updating sewer line infrastructure, as well as connecting houses to the sewer system. The project is complete for Duke Avenue and Corinne Street. The contractor is currently working on Dogwood Drive. [see video]

UPDATE: The contractor is 90% complete with this project.

Palmer's Crossing & Irene Chapel Water Project
In October, Mayor Barker and Councilman Nicholas Brown announced a significant water improvement project for Palmer's Crossing and Irene Chapel neighbors. The upgrades include removing small, antiquated lines and replacing them with lines that can not only handle the current capacity but also set these areas up for success regarding future growth. A majority of the line installation is complete, with the remaining areas around railroad crossings. We are currently awaiting final permits from those entities. [see video]

UPDATE: No change. Still waiting on permits from railroad entities.
 
Sullivan Park Pavilion
In March, Mayor Barker and Councilman Nicholas Brown were joined by Forrest County Supervisors and community members to break ground on the new pavilion for Sullivan Park. The foundation has been poured, and construction will continue through the summer. [see video]

UPDATE: The foundation and sidewalk have been poured and the contractor is currently installing the roofing.
 
Broad Street Bridge
Broad Street Bridge was closed for reconstruction in early 2017. The construction is complete and we are waiting for a final inspection from the State Aide engineer to open the bridge to the public.  

PROJECT COMPLETED! The bridge is now open to the public.

Longleaf Trace Extension
In March, Mayor Barker was joined by Councilwoman Mary Dryden and Councilmen Nicholas Brown and Jeffrey George as he announced the beginning of a pathways project that will provide access to the Longleaf Trace by connecting the Historic Train Depot to Chain Park. The construction of sidewalks for this project is mostly complete. Finish date for the entirety of this project is September. [see video]

UPDATE: The contractor is currently finishing up the structure that goes under the railroad bridge. Finish date for the entirety of this project is September.

Arcadia - Sunset Water Improvement Project 
In April, Mayor Barker and Councilwoman Mary Dryden announced a water improvement project for the Arcadia-Sunset Neighborhood that will significantly improve water pressure, decrease the occurrence of brown water and replace smaller water lines with the standard 6" and 8" lines. The estimated cost of this project is $717,310, and it is a budgeted expense from the general fund. This project is in its early stages but is on track. [see video]

UPDATE: The contractor is nearing completion of this project, most of the water lines have been installed and should start placing sod and making repairs to streets and driveways.

• Swing Dance Class with a Local Twist
• Fall Adult Softball
• Urban Line Dancing
• Adult Pickleball
• Fall Adult Flag Football
• With new programs added, weekly.