The City Council of Mandeville convened recently to discuss several key agenda items, including preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebration and important budget adjustments.

Mayor's remarks highlighted the anticipated fireworks display scheduled for July 3rd, with a rain date set for July 4th. The event promises to be larger and more exciting than last year, thanks in part to a $5,000 contribution from the barge company responsible for launching the fireworks. Currently, the event is approximately $5,000 to $6,000 short of being fully funded through sponsorships, which the Mayor expects to secure in the coming weeks. The celebration will feature food trucks, games, and activities for families, reinforcing its reputation as a premier community event.

In addition to the festivities, the council addressed unfinished business, including the adoption of Ordinance 2411, which amends the city’s capital budget to accommodate over-budget lift station projects. The council approved the reallocation of funds from a well under-budgeted project to cover the costs of two lift station projects, ensuring a net-zero impact on the budget.

The council also discussed Ordinance 2412, which pertains to the compensation of the Mayor. This ordinance aims to implement a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that was previously approved in last year’s budget but had not yet been enacted. Council members expressed concerns about the timing of this ordinance, noting that it should have been addressed during the budget adoption process. The council clarified that the separate ordinance was necessary to formalize the Mayor's compensation adjustments.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community engagement through events and responsible fiscal management.