Council amends municipal facilities rules for rentals, equipment and booking windows

The Biloxi City Council on Aug. 26 approved an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 14 of the municipal code to revise the city’s municipal facilities rental rules. The amendment, introduced by Council members Mister Tisdale and Mister Creel and summarized by city staff (Peter), passed unanimously.

City staff told the council they had inventoried equipment and found many line items in the old rules either no longer existed or should be treated as part of the facility rather than separately rented pieces. The amendment removed those obsolete line items from the rental schedule and updated rules so equipment rental remains waived for 2026 when appropriate.

Staff also clarified how far in advance bookings may be made: private users may reserve municipal facilities up to “three years minus a day,” a scheduling convention staff said was intended to avoid confusion on exact anniversary dates.

Council members heard that some event organizers requested an additional workshop with Mardi Gras groups; staff reported no additional substantive feedback had been received following prior outreach. The council adopted the ordinance without further amendment.

The ordinance will change the municipal facility rental process and be implemented by the city’s facilities staff; council members asked staff to allow time for implementation and patience while staff adjust booking calendars.