Biloxi council adopts FY2025–26 budget over objections about cuts to police, hiring freeze

The Biloxi City Council voted 4–3 to adopt the fiscal year 2025–26 municipal budget after an extended debate over personnel reductions, overtime levels and a proposed $10 million bond for capital purchases. Councilman Tisdale moved to adopt the budget and Councilman Shoemaker seconded; the motion passed by roll call.

Council members spent the largest portion of the meeting arguing whether the budget’s hiring freeze and staffing reductions — called out repeatedly for the police and public works departments — would undermine critical services. Councilman Shoemaker said he could not support the budget as presented, citing concerns that advertised vacancies remain open while the freeze persists. “I just won’t be able to support it,” Shoemaker said during debate.

Supporters of the budget, including the mayor’s office and administration staff, described the package as conservative and historically informed by projected revenues that will be finalized after the fiscal year closes.…