Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Council briefed on parks budget as directors flag vacancies, natatorium repairs and AJ Holloway needs
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff told the Biloxi City Council the department is operating with 61 budgeted positions of which 51 were filled in June (about 20% vacancy) and proposed $384,000 in capital outlay for FY2026 including a sand filter replacement for the natatorium, vehicle and mower replacements, and roof work at the armory.
Parks and Recreation leaders told the Biloxi City Council at a special budget workshop that the department faces persistent staffing shortages and a list of deferred capital needs, while also trying to maintain facilities that support youth leagues and regional tournaments.
The issue in brief: Parks staff say they have 61 budgeted positions and 51 filled as of June, leaving roughly 10 vacancies (about 20 percent). The department proposed $384,000 in capital outlay for fiscal 2026, including a sand filter replacement for the natatorium, two vehicles, two mowers and an armory roof replacement. Staff and several council members also discussed repairing playgrounds, restroom facilities, portability options, and lighting, particularly at AJ Holloway Sportsplex.
Why it matters: Parks and recreation upkeep supports regular programming, youth sports and tourism-related tournaments that bring visitors, hotel stays and local spending. Staffing shortages and deferred maintenance reduce the department—s…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
