Biloxi council begins FY 2025–26 budget talks; transfers trimmed to $3.25 million, gaming revenue estimate held at $23 million

The Biloxi City Council opened discussions of the fiscal 2025–26 municipal budget and reviewed staff revenue and transfer estimates, millage allocations and possible capital financing.

Diana, a city staff member working on the budget presentation, told council members the subject matter for the session is the FY2025–26 municipal budget and walked members through revenue scenarios and proposed transfers. Council members and staff discussed gaming revenue projections, millage breakdown, transfers for capital projects and potential borrowing to spread costs of major equipment.

Council member Mr. Creel reviewed gaming revenue assumptions and told the council he still considers a $23,000,000 gaming revenue estimate appropriate based on year‑to‑date results. “Year to date, we’re only up $30,000 to prior year,” he said, and he noted modest growth trends that leave a $23 million estimate plausible. The council also discussed gaming‑device fees and the possibility that some devices are not being fully captured in reporting to the Department of Revenue; Mr. Creel said the…