Organizers who run Mardi Gras and other community events told the Biloxi City Council they are struggling with rental rules, upfront fees and rising insurance costs and asked for a seat at the table as the city refines facility rental procedures.

A long-time carnival organizer told the council that venue fees and related costs have risen: "Our venue in 2015 was $6,000. Our venue in 2025 was $7,550," and added that security and insurance costs have increased. She asked the council to involve event groups when finalizing rental guidelines and software-driven reservation systems.

The mayor acknowledged the complaints and said the administration is reviewing rental procedures that were developed beginning in November. He said the mayor and council will meet next week with each affected group to verify event dates and clarify whether contracts have been signed. The mayor also said the interim parks and recreation director role is being filled and that he will work with that director and the contract manager to resolve outstanding scheduling and contract issues.

Speakers representing smaller community groups said paying multi-year deposits — such as three years' rent up front — can be unaffordable and asked the city to adjust reservation and payment rules so out-year bookings do not require full immediate payment. The mayor said the administration would consider amending the schedule so reserved fees are due closer to the event (for example, about 11 months before the date) while still preserving the ability to reserve dates in advance.

Councilmembers and staff invited representatives to nominate a single representative from each group so city staff can contact them directly and resolve individual booking questions. The mayor said staff will start contacting signatories and that the contract manager and interim parks director will follow up.

No formal change to the rental policy or ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the council and administration described these actions as next steps to reach a mutually workable approach.