Andy Linville criticizes mayor's $14M salary survey proposal to city council

The Biloxi City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding a proposed salary survey by the mayor, presented by resident Andy Linville. Linville raised concerns about the rationale and timing of the survey, questioning why it was set to take five and a half months and why it was scheduled between November and April. He suggested that the survey's purpose was to justify the mayor's payroll as average, highlighting a stark contrast in average salaries from 2023 to 2024, which he claimed resulted in a $14 million annual discrepancy.

Linville criticized the city’s financial management, noting that the administration and executive branches had seen substantial growth in staffing over the past decade, while inflation had eroded the purchasing power of departments like parks and recreation. He argued that the city was burdened by excessive bonuses, urging council members to reconsider their support for the salary survey and any proposed raises, which he believed were not in line with city ordinances.

The meeting continued with Linville's passionate plea for fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the need for the council to prioritize the interests of the community over administrative growth. He concluded by calling for a vote against the proposed salary survey and raises, asserting that the council should reclaim its reputation by standing up for the taxpayers.

The discussion highlighted ongoing concerns about city budgeting and compensation practices, setting the stage for further deliberations on financial accountability in Biloxi.