A city official summarized revisions to Biloxi's facility rental ordinance at the June 24 City Council meeting, explaining why the Civic Center and Gruen Center were temporarily removed from the booking schedule and clarifying new deposit, rehearsal and insurance policies.

The official told the council the city temporarily suspended bookings at the Civic Center and the Gruen Center to allow internal adjustments so the ordinance language “matches the intent.” The official said the city revised the ordinance three times in response to public comment and internal review and will continue to evaluate it.

Under the revised approach described to the council, security deposits and cleaning fees were simplified and combined: if a facility is not damaged and is cleaned by the renter, the security deposit will be refunded; the deposit may be applied to cleaning or damage costs if necessary. The official said the city has refunded so‑called rollover deposits (single deposits held for multiple years) and will instead require more specific, advance reservations where organizations need multiple years of booking.

Regarding rehearsals, the official said the revised ordinance allows up to four hours of rehearsal time per day at the Civic Center or Gruden Center when the facility is rented; rehearsal time must be booked in advance and additional practice dates or facilities may be available for an extra fee. On insurance, the official said the city does not intend to force all organizations to obtain general liability but will require appropriate coverage for events that present elevated risk.

The official asked general counsel to provide an update on the ordinance’s development at a future meeting; the council agreed that a general counsel briefing could be scheduled for a later agenda.

Separately, during discussion of a pending resolution related to events and a clinic matter, councilmembers proposed and voted on an amendment to add a recommendation that staff, event organizers and the applicant “sit down and discuss” event procedures and barriers. The council approved the amendment after a recorded voice vote reported as three in favor and two opposed; the amendment was framed as a recommendation rather than a city requirement.

Why it matters: Council officials said the revisions are intended to make rental policies fairer, reduce booking practices that blocked dates for other users, and clarify conditions that protect the city from liability while supporting longstanding community events such as Mardi Gras celebrations. Council members repeatedly emphasized the city’s intent is not to discourage Mardi Gras organizations from using municipal facilities.

Councilmembers asked staff to bring a general counsel update or workshop to a future meeting to explain how the ordinance language evolved and to answer specific questions from event organizers.