A former city employee has returned to Vicksburg after six years in Southhaven to take over as city planner.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Tuesday to hire Wayne Mansfield to replace Ronnie Bounds who resigned last month. Mansfield, who had been the planner in Southhaven, is a Vicksburg native and had worked for the city planning department for four years.

“It’s always a great opportunity to come back to your hometown and try to make a difference, and I think this administration really wants to make a difference,” Mansfield said.

Mansfield will be paid $55,000 annually, about $13,370 less than Bounds had been paid in that position. Bounds, who had been the city planner for 26 years, resigned Dec. 16 citing a conflict with the mayor and aldermen, but recommended Mansfield as his replacement.

“Wayne and Ronnie have a common vision,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens. “We think he has a lot of talent.”

Mansfield worked in Bounds’ office during the Joe Loviza administration before leaving for Southhaven. Leyens said Mansfield will not take over as a division head as Bounds had been, but will only head the planning department.

The planning department oversees many city projects including plans for downtown revitalization under the state’s urban renewal laws.

Other projects that Mansfield will take over include restoration of the former Levee Street Depot and several housing projects.

“I’m trying to get acclimated right now and get involved in what everyone is doing,” Mansfield said.

He began work immediately after the board meeting.