Picayune council ratifies warehouse sale, approves Butler Snow contract and budget amendment

The Picayune City Council on Oct. 7 ratified a lease‑purchase sale of three warehouses at 210 Crosby Street to Turley International, approved a contract with Butler Snow for state government‑relations work, and adopted a modest budget amendment.

City Manager Harvey explained the warehouses had been leased and that lease payments were applied toward the purchase price when the buyer exercised the lease‑purchase option; Harvey said the city received a check to cover the remaining balance after lease payments were applied. “They cut us a check for the balance that was left, after the lease payments were applied,” he said.

Council discussion touched on the property’s prior use and the city’s earlier acquisition strategy; a staff member said the city previously acquired related property for $1 and that proceeds and lease payments produced a positive return. The council approved the ratification by voice vote.

On contracts, the council authorized a contract with Butler Snow for state‑level government‑relations services. Harvey described Butler Snow as the firm the city uses for state lobbying and for filing required continuing disclosures tied to bond debt. He said the firm has helped secure funding for local projects and that the contract will authorize the mayor to execute related documents.

Separately, the council approved a budget amendment that reduces general‑fund appropriations by $46,248 to correct earlier line‑item entries. Harvey said the amendment does not add to the budget but reallocates appropriations so the city can “make it through” the fiscal year adjustments.

All items were approved by voice vote. Staff will execute related documents and process the budget amendment through finance.