Time for a Change?: Exploring City Government Options in Vicksburg

A Public Meeting to Discuss City Government

A public meeting was held at the Warren County Courthouse last week, offering residents of Vicksburg a chance to understand the latest push for a change to the local government structure. The change concerns the city’s form of government, an antiquated structure that has been in place since the 1880s. Dr. Dallas Breen, executive director of the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State University, presided over the session, focusing on educating the public about the forms of government currently functioning in the Magnolia State.

“Our role is to ensure everyone understands the basic levels of government forms allowed in Mississippi,” Breen explained. He also stressed that the institute’s objective is not to advocate changes in the government structure.

Signature Collection for City Government Change

A petition aimed at changing the City of Vicksburg’s government form has emerged, pushing the agenda for the public meeting. The petition requires approximately 1,400 signatures, amounting to 10% of the city’s registered voters, to prompt a ballot initiative. Currently, the petition boasts around 800 signatures.

Choosing Between Government Forms

Breen highlighted the various forms of government operating under the Mississippi Constitution. However, he also noted Vicksburg’s unique position: “The City of Vicksburg has a special charter.” Hence, not all aspects of other government forms are applicable to Vicksburg.

The discussion primarily revolved around a potential shift from the “commission” form to a “council-manager” form of government. In such a setup, voters would elect a city council, along with a mayor and five council members, and the council would be responsible for hiring a city manager. Breen also emphasized that Vicksburg and Clarksdale are the only two Mississippi cities operating with something akin to the “commission” form.

A Council-Manager Form of Government

Dr. Eddie French, an MSU professor and former city manager in Virginia, joined the public discussion to provide insights. He said, “Being a city manager is not an exact science,” adding that what may work well in one city may not be effective in another.

The proposed “council-manager” form offers a separation of politics from the administrative running of the city. A professional city manager would handle various decision-making procedures, pointing to the need for a more robust salary than what the current full-time mayor and aldermen are receiving.

Resistance and Cooperation

The petition for changing the governmental structure has been met with some resistance from city leaders, who fear difficulties in unanimous decision-making with a larger council. Others, however, believe that taking the politics out of municipal decision-making is just what Vicksburg needs to address its current issues.

Marilyn Terry—A Prominent Voice for Change

Marilyn Terry, a group member advocating for the petition, believes such a change would greatly benefit the city. She says, “Changing the government to allow a professional to run the city would create accountability for basic community needs, like city finances, fair pay to city employees, and government continuity.”

Breen, while being open to change, reminded the audience that electing good leaders is still paramount, regardless of the form of government. “The form of government – if you change – doesn’t necessarily make anything better or worse,” he stated. This highlights that the power lies in the hands of the Vicksburg voters, and the ability to effect change comes from their decisions.