I must first begin this edition’s column with a “thank you” to Hattiesburgers. Just over one month ago, 81% of those voting in our April 23 special referendum voted in favor of increasing the restaurant and hotel/motel tax by 1-cent. I appreciate your faith in our administration’s stewardship of these funds, and moreover, I am thankful that you share a bold vision for Hattiesburg and its future.
 
With the 1-cent election over, I was immediately thrust into preparing to give my first deposition on the city’s 2016 annexation proposal. This annexation plan would seek to grow the city along its Highway 49 and Highway 98 corridors. While our administration and our current City Council did not draw this plan, we do support it, as it moves the city further into two of our paths of growth.
 
As I spent several days reviewing infrastructure and fire protection needs in both areas, the process gave me the opportunity to review the infrastructure and public safety situation within our city’s current boundaries – both the needs and our capacity to meet those needs. Going through the deposition exercise confirmed several things for me.
 
1. We have infrastructure needs in our city; but with proactive planning and responsible budgeting, we have the ability to meet those needs.
 
One of our core objectives is that every neighborhood sees progress. Whether in road, bridge, water or sewer infrastructure, we know there exist both challenges and opportunities.
 
For example, we know that one challenge for the City of Hattiesburg is reducing its inflow and infiltration (I&I) of stormwater into the sewer system. When an abundance of stormwater makes its way into your sewer transmission lines, it overloads the system and causes sanitary sewer overflows. (You see this during hard rains when water is flowing out of manhole covers.) As with any city that is the same age or older than Hattiesburg, making repairs and replacing old lines must be a priority. In our case specifically, these replacements help reduce the I&I so that sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) are eliminated. 
 
In the coming months, you will hear more about the need to eliminate SSOs. We anticipate that it may cost between $40-$50 million – spread over 15-20 years (which equates to around $3-$3.5 million per year) – to accomplish this goal.
 
However, with challenges come opportunities. The Mississippi’s Legislature passage of the Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2018 creates new revenue streams to assist cities with infrastructure needs, and those revenue streams can be used for roads, bridges or water/sewer infrastructure. Secondly, the city has five different bonds that will be retired over the next 15-20 years that can then be retooled to make large investments in sewer replacement. With careful budgeting and proactive planning, we can meet this goal of eliminating sanitary sewer overflows within our city’s current boundaries.
 
2. Our strategies for growing manpower in our police and fire departments are working.
 
Part of the conversation surrounding any city’s growth is its ability to keep the public safe. In both our police and fire departments, the incentives enacted by the Hattiesburg City Council – one for free tuition at William Carey University and at The University of Southern Mississippi and an organized pay scale that incentivizes advancement and educational attainment – are keeping officers within our department and attracting others into the fold.
 
A week ago, I swore in six lateral transfers into the Hattiesburg Fire Department. This is the largest number for one single group in memory. We have another group of six firemen who will soon graduate from the academy, which brings us close to maxing out our current positions in the department. Over the next year, we will begin to phase in new firefighter positions in order to fully staff Station 9 by the time it is constructed.
 
Last week also brought in two lateral transfers to the Hattiesburg Police Department. We fully expect to be at our goal of 113 by year’s end. While we are always looking to add quality manpower to our ranks, we are now above the Southeastern average in terms of per capita police manpower.
 
3. We have the very best in directors leading all of our departments.
 
Leadership matters. Whether it’s improving customer service, investing in capital equipment, goal-setting, planning for future projects or motivating our great employees, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a knowledgeable, talented and diverse group of directors and senior staff. All gave valuable input as we developed the Services & Facilities Plan for the proposed areas for annexation, and all gave effective testimony during their depositions.
 
4. We must grow.
 
Hattiesburg is the hub of the regional economy. Its commercial corridors – supported by existing businesses, a strong fire rating, building codes, central sewer infrastructure and a strong population core – reap economic growth for the city and surrounding areas. In fact, the City of Hattiesburg is now the second largest sales tax collector in the entire state. However, markets change over time, and cities must position themselves to be catalysts for future growth. We do this by carefully considering annexation plans that are sensible, affordable and beneficial to all.
 
We also know that the city must also be balanced in its approach to annexation. We cannot simply seek to take in business corridors when there are also residential areas along our path of growth that could benefit from municipal services. However, we believe that any residential annexation must be well thought-out, strategically beneficial to both the city and the proposed annexed area - all while staying true to our values and belief in a diverse Hattiesburg.
 
In the coming weeks and months, we will explore and study the question of whether some residential annexation might be appropriate at this time in our city’s history. We know that we are facing a decennial Census next year. We also know there are several neighborhoods that have lost population because of the 2013 and 2017 tornadoes. However, my pledge is that we will try to build a broad consensus around any residential annexation plan. We will also not attempt to grow too much, too fast so that city services and finances are over-extended. However, I do believe we can continue to make significant improvements within our city’s current boundaries while keeping an eye on the future growth and development of Hattiesburg.

All my best,

Carter Carroll
Ward 3 Councilman | President
The City of Hattiesburg has experienced tremendous economic growth in the last year. From the District at Midtown (which continues to thrive with commercial additions) and the likes of Savvy Linx and Kohler Engines making Hattiesburg their homes to the recent ribbon cutting of the Regions Loan Operations Center, Hattiesburg’s economy is thriving. Project after project, we continue to see the results of partners coming to the table to do great things for our community. 

And while these things are exciting and continue to put us on the map as a premier city, there are so many moving parts underneath that are happening all at once to provide for these quality of life additions to our city. Significant infrastructure investments, being fiscally responsible and collaborating across all lanes of private and public partnerships also make a significant impact on bringing new businesses and expansion opportunities to our city. 

I’m proud of the growth we’ve seen, and I’m very proud of the team we have that works so hard on behalf of the residents of our city. We look forward to continuing this momentum!

Should you need anything from your council member or me, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 601-545-4551. We’re here to serve you.

• Kohler Announces Expansion and New Jobs in Hattiesburg
• City Officials Launch "S.P.O.T." Initiative in Hattiesburg
• HPD Welcomes Three More to Its Ranks; Retirees Receive Cost of Living Adjustment
• Hattiesburg Breaks Ground on New Public Safety Complex
• City Breaks Ground on North 31st Avenue Project
• C Spire Chooses Hattiesburg to Receive Fiber-Based Broadband Services
• Hattiesburg's Water Department Receives Perfect Score on Annual Inspection

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 Purchasing Division of Accounting.

You may not see these guys on the front-lines of service delivery every day, but they are the A-TEAM when it comes to making sure the flow of payments from the city to vendors is in tip-top shape!

Sylvester London and Michael Pope work very hard within the accounting systems to make the customer service side of accounts payable is a seamless one. They also work with all of the internal departments to keep all things financial reconciled and processed correctly according to state statutes and all that guides the financial side of our city. 

This division plays a vital role in the day to day operations of our city, and we are proud to tell you a little more about what they do! 

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. 

2019-138 : City Requests the Mississippi Legislature to Authorize an Increase to the Cost of Living Adjustment for retirees of the Hattiesburg Police and Fire Disability and Relief Fund (February 2019)

Adopt Resolution requesting the Legislature of the State of Mississippi to introduce, sponsor, and procure the enactment of legislation to authorize the City of Hattiesburg to establish upon certification of actuarial soundness, to increase payment of the COLA in an amount not to exceed thirty-two percent (32%) to the eligible retirees of the Hattiesburg Police and Fire Disability and Relief Fund, to be paid from the monies accumulated in the Municipal Retirement System Fund administered by the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi.

2019-111, 115, 102, 113, 116, 186, 187, 249, 250, 252, 273, 317 and 318 : Council Authorizes Additional Lighting (February - May)

Authorize Mayor to execute lighting request with Mississippi Power Company to provide additional lighting.

2019-323 : Resolution to Levy 1% Tax (April)

Adopt Resolution to levy, assess, and collect a one percent (1%) tax as defined and approved by more than 80% of the qualified electors voting on April 23, 2019.

High Note: 81% of voters showed up on April 23 to vote "yes" for the proposed tax levy of one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds from hotel/motel overnight room rental and restaurant sales for the purpose of funding parks and recreation and tourism projects in the City of Hattiesburg. This resolution assigns June 1 as the start for when the tax would tax effect.

2019-341 : Council Establishes Midtown Social District (May)

Approve or deny to adopt an Ordinance establishing a leisure and recreation district known as the Midtown Social District and to designate the geographical areas within and the boundaries of said district.

High Note: Mirroring what created the Go-Cup ordinance for Downtown Hattiesburg, this legislation adopts the same for the area inclusive of the District at Midtown. 

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. 
 

Glenn Gholar, Sanitation & Solid Waste Division
Public Works
Glenn "Hut" Gholar came to work for the City of Hattiesburg in 1979. And after 40 years of service, he'll soon retire! We couldn't let that happen without telling you what an incredible asset he has been to the Sanitation and Solid Waste team! He, along with his crews, play a vital role in delivering a key city service to our residents. Thanks, Hut for your many years of service!


Chay Chapman, Seniors Programming Coordinator
Parks & Recreation
Chay Chapman is new to our workforce, but she hasn't let that keep her from diving deep and making an immediate impact on the programming for our seniors! By staying in constant communication with her seniors and promoting her programs efficiently, she continues to have more and more take part. Chay, thank you for thinking big and providing more opportunities for our community to enjoy! 

Kay Davis, Administrative Assistant
Hattiesburg Police & Fire Training Academy
Affectionately called "Ms. Kay" by all of the fire and police department personnel, she is the go-to for all things training-academy related and everything in between. She constantly goes out of her way to make sure all of the little details are taken care of, and spends a lot of time helping recruits, officers and firefighters with day-to-day tasks and training-related activities. 


Marshall Bryant, Electrician
Water & Sewer Department
In addition to his role as an electrician with the department, Marshall Bryant is also on the front-line of getting information out to the right departments regarding closures due to water and sewer repairs. He is always willing to help employees get the job done, and he goes above and beyond to research issues and get positive results. 

• Saturday, June 29 | Bobby Rush & Friends | TICKETS
• Tuesday, September 10 | Keb' Mo' | TICKETS
• Saturday, October 19 | Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors | TICKETS

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.
 

North 31st Avenue
In May, Mayor Barker was joined by Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey George and several representatives from The University of Southern Mississippi and statewide officials to break ground on the North 31st Avenue Midtown Enhancement Project.

This project, which began several years ago under the leadership of Mayor Johnny DuPree’s leadership when the first steps for the District at Midtown were taking shape, will create a boulevard from the District at Midtown into the heart of the Southern Miss campus, ending at Pearl Street by the Liberal Arts Building and the soon to be finished renovation of Joseph Greene Hall. It will address many of the drainage issues that exist near the North 31st Avenue and Pearl Street intersection, as well as make accommodations for the growing number of cyclists and pedestrians coming from the University Heights neighborhood into campus. It will also feature a median with street trees that will not only add to the beautification but also serve as another filter for stormwater.

The total cost for this project is $790,000, with the City contributing a little more than $160,000. The rest will be funded by the Mississippi Development Authority’s economic development highway funding – which was paired with the next Midtown project (slated to be around Forrest General Hospital/Hwy 49 and begin within the next year). Construction is expected to last approximately 6 months, with the road hopefully reopening before Thanksgiving. [read more]

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]

UPDATE: The contractor is currently working on and around Brooklane to replace the sewer line. Throughout this project, residents will experience minor inconveniences such as temporary loss of water, roads closed to through traffic and roads covered in rock and gravel. The contractor will notify residents any time a planned water outage occurs. Unfortunately, there may be times when the unexpected happens. If it does, please understand we are working to remedy the problem as soon as possible. In the event there is an unplanned outage please contact the Action Center at 601-545-4500.

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]

UPDATE for Quinn Street and Pearl Street/Longleaf Heights Neighborhood and North 39th/40th Avenue: The contractor has completed the installation of all water and sewer lines. In the next 4-6 weeks, the contractor will begin paving the roads within this area as well as maintenance and upkeep of beautification efforts. 
 
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: Crews continue to maintain Lamar Boulevard so that it is drivable, while we await the next steps directed through grant funding.
 
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: We have been given a verbal approval about permits, but we are awaiting the final copies of the permits. Once those are in hand, work will continue. 

Public Safety Complex Infrastructure
The contractor began work on replacing the infrastructure in this area in January. Total project includes the replacement of water, sewer and drainage. Awarded to C.B. Developers, this project totals a little more than $1 million and was allocated for in the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget. For more information regarding the public safety complex, click here. 

UPDATE: The contractor is complete with installing water, sewer and drainage lines on Katie Avenue. Spire Energy has also relocated the necessary infrastructure on Arledge Street. The contractor is now installing new water lines and stormwater lines down Arledge Street.

With 46,377 residents, the City of Hattiesburg includes approximately 25% of property that is located within a special flood hazard area (SFHA). The vast majority of homes and businesses within this area are older, low-lying and built prior to the FEMA flood designations; however many of these properties have been elevated due to reconstruction that came after devastating tornadoes in 2013 and 2017.

Additionally, several areas outside of the SFHA also pose a concern, as they are subject to flash flooding during intense rainfall. Because of these factors, it’s important that homeowners and renters know the potential damage flooding can bring and how they can prepare for such.

As a central location of resources, we invite you to check out the following three links: