Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced raises for city employees, as well as increases to rental fees in the city and a recommended change for trash pickup during a budget hearing held during Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA).

Flaggs addressed several monetary concerns Thursday after questions were raised over employee raises, trash collection rates and other city fees in recent BOMA and town hall meetings.

Flaggs said part of the city’s budget in the new fiscal year, beginning Oct. 1, includes provisions to address salary adjustments for city employees earning $50,000 or less, who will receive a pay raise of up to 3 percent. City employees earning more than $50,000 annually will earn a similar raise beginning Jan. 1, Flaggs said.

“We recognize the hard work and dedication of all our city employees,” Flaggs said. “These planned raises reflect our commitment to valuing their contributions while carefully managing our resources.”

Though exact amounts were not given, Flaggs also announced plans to increase fees at the City Auditorium and City Pavilion.

“Due to increasing operational costs and budgetary constraints, we find ourselves in a position where we must make difficult decisions,” he said. “As part of this necessary adjustment, we will be implementing a modest increase in the rental fees for the City Auditorium and the City Pavilion. Additionally, there will be a recommendation made for residents to cover half of the cost for residential trash pickup.”

During recent public meeting, Flaggs has said more than once that trash collection fees have risen due to contracts with Waste Management, the only company to enter a bid to handle Vicksburg’s services.

Flaggs said additional details will be discussed as the budgeting process continues. 

“We had a very constructive first hearing, and I am confident that with continued hard work, we will achieve our financial goals,” he said. “Our primary focus remains on ensuring the well-being of our dedicated employees while maintaining the city’s fiscal health.”