Laurel, MS

City Council

The Laurel City Council will set a public hearing for the proposed FY2027 budget and tax levy, and will consider first readings of ordinances to annex land along Bear Pen Creek Road, increase garbage collection fees, and rezone property at 40 E. 24th St. to heavy industrial. The council will also act on several resolutions, including ad valorem tax exemptions for Amick Farms, Howard Industries, and Laurel Machine and Foundry, and a transfer of city property to the Laurel Airport Authority.

• Set public hearing for FY2027 budget and tax levy on Aug 31, 2026
• First reading: annexation of Bear Pen Creek Road area
• First reading: garbage fee increase effective Oct 1, 2026
• First reading: zoning change at 40 E. 24th St. from R-2 to I-3
• Initial resolutions for 10-year ad valorem tax exemptions for Amick Farms, Howard Industries, Laurel Machine & Foundry

City Council

The City Council will discuss a contract amendment for public works services and a structural evaluation of Water Plant #3. The body will also consider demolition and lot cleaning assessments for several properties and various police department administrative orders.

• 5th Amendment to the contract with H2O Innovation Operation & Maintenance, LLC for Public Works Services
• Demolition assessments for 1432 Old Amy Rd ($2,903.00) and 807 S. 7th Ave ($5,124.00)
• First reading of an ordinance prohibiting the burial of human remains on private residential or commercial property
• Lot cleaning assessments for six properties, including 914 S. 14th Ave and 3 Woodlawn Dr
• Order to declare Laurel Police Department surplus vehicles to be sold as scrap or destroyed

The Laurel City Council approved all agenda items unanimously (6-0, with Councilperson Marian Allen absent), including renewing the H2O Innovation public works contract, authorizing a structural evaluation of Water Plant #3, and passing the first reading of a cemetery ordinance. The council also approved several police department items, property assessments, and travel requests.

• Adopted 5th amendment to H2O Innovation public works contract (6-0)
• Adopted resolution for structural evaluation of Water Plant #3 Control Building (6-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance correcting cemetery burial prohibition labeling (6-0)
• Authorized retirement of K-9 Kastor to Lt. Heath Blancett (6-0)
• Declared LPD surplus vehicles for scrap, auction, or destruction (6-0)
• Accepted donations for LPD Stuff-A-Truck and Summer Youth Camp (6-0)
• Approved demo assessments for two properties and lot cleaning assessments for six properties (6-0)
• Approved claims docket (6-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider a resolution to conduct a public hearing on July 21, 2026 regarding the condition of a property at 1222 Anderson St. in Ward 7. Other items include authorizing an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant application, allocating tourism funds, approving a utility billing software agreement, and adopting various ordinances and orders such as a cemetery burial ban and alley closure.

• Resolution to hold public hearing on 1222 Anderson St. property (Ward 7)
• Resolution authorizing Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant application
• Order allocating tourism funds to Jones County Economic Development Authority
• Order approving Muni‑Link utility billing and customer information system software
• Ordinance (second reading) prohibiting burial of human remains on private property

The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the burial of human remains on private residential or commercial property. The council also authorized a new utility billing software agreement and approved the 2026 Citywide Paving Project advertisement. Additionally, a public hearing was conducted regarding a dilapidated property at 1222 Anderson St.

• Approved ordinance prohibiting human burial on private residential or commercial property (5-0)
• Authorized agreement with Muni-Link for utility billing and customer information software (5-0)
• Approved resolution to advertise for 2026 Citywide Paving Project construction (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to conduct public hearing for dilapidated property at 1222 Anderson St. (5-0)
• Authorized application for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (5-0)
• Approved allocation of tourism funds to Economic Development Authority of Jones County (5-0)
• Renewed employee health, dental, vision, and life insurance for Oct 2026-Sept 2027 (5-0)
• Approved $1,414.24 for LPD officers to attend field sobriety testing in Pascagoula (5-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold public hearings on three properties alleged to be dilapidated and menace public safety. Council members will also vote on a lease-purchase agreement for six water and sewer vehicles, a supplemental agreement for the Central Avenue Phase II project, and first readings of ordinances regarding cemetery burials and an alley closure. Additionally, the council will approve ten-year ad valorem tax exemptions for six local manufacturing and agricultural companies, along with various travel authorizations and lot cleaning assessments.

• Public hearings on dilapidated properties at 312 S. 16th Ave., 511 Sandy T. Gavin Ave., and 1220 Anderson St.
• Ten-year ad valorem tax exemptions for Amick Farms, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Dunn Roadbuilders, Howard Industries, and Laurel Machine & Foundry
• Lease-purchase agreement with Citizens National Bank for six water and sewer vehicles
• Supplemental Agreement No. 2 for Central Avenue Improvements - Phase II project
• First reading of ordinance amending cemetery burial rules and closing an alley off W. 4th and W. 5th Streets

The Laurel City Council re-elected George Carmichael as Council President and Jason Capers as Vice President for the 2026-2027 term. The council approved multiple items, including a memorandum of agreement with Laurel Main Street for the Downtown Brickyard Project, a lease-purchase agreement for six water and sewer vehicles, and an emergency order to replace a collapsed sewer line at Old Amy Road and Parker Drive. It also approved first readings of ordinances to prohibit burial of human remains on private property and to close an alley between W. 4th and W. 5th Streets. The council approved 10-year ad valorem tax exemptions for Amick Farms, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Dunn Roadbuilders, Howard Industries, and Laurel Machine and Foundry, among others.

• Re-elected George Carmichael as Council President and Jason Capers as Vice President for 2026-2027.
• Approved a resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement with Laurel Main Street for the Downtown Brickyard Project.
• Approved a lease-purchase agreement with Citizens National Bank for six water and sewer vehicles (5-1, Allen nay).
• Ratified an emergency order to replace a collapsed sewer line at Old Amy Road and Parker Drive.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance prohibiting burial of human remains on private residential or commercial property.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance to close an alley off W. 4th St. and W. 5th St. between N. 13th Ave. and N. 14th Ave.
• Approved 10-year ad valorem tax exemptions for Amick Farms, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Dunn Roadbuilders, Howard Industries, and Laurel Machine and Foundry.
• Approved payment of $9,000 to Smith Construction for Mason Park sidewalks (5-0-1, Allen abstained).

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting a resolution authorizing a grant agreement with the Mississippi Development Authority to fund the Downtown Brickyard Project. They will also hold a public hearing on dilapidated properties at two addresses, and vote on second readings of ordinances to require water meters and increase the water reinstatement fee. Other items include a zoning change for 63 Management Rd and approval of demolition and lot cleaning assessments.

• Downtown Brickyard Project grant agreement with MDA
• Second reading of ordinance requiring water meters (Chapter 25)
• Second reading of ordinance increasing water reinstatement fee
• Zoning change for 63 Management Rd from A-1 to I-1
• Demo assessment of $9,279 for property at 610 Chantilly St

The council approved a zoning change for 63 Management Rd from A-1 General Agricultural to I-1 General Industrial (5-0). They also authorized a grant agreement with Mississippi Development Authority for the Downtown Brickyard Project and approved second readings of ordinances increasing water reinstatement fees and requiring all water to be metered. Property maintenance actions included a demo assessment at 610 Chantilly St and lot cleanings for 10 properties.

• Approved rezoning of 63 Management Rd from A-1 to I-1 (5-0, Enactment 1790-2026)
• Adopted resolution authorizing grant agreement with Mississippi Development Authority for Downtown Brickyard Project (5-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance requiring all city water to be metered except fire sprinklers (5-0, Enactment 1788-2026)
• Approved second reading of ordinance increasing water bill reinstatement fee (5-0, Enactment 1789-2026)
• Approved change order No. 4 for 2025 Citywide Paving Project (5-0)
• Authorized FY2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application to FEMA (5-0)
• Approved demo assessment of $9,279 for property at 610 Chantilly St (5-0)
• Approved lot cleanings for 10 properties with total assessed costs ranging $77.73–$194.52 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on three dilapidated properties and consider the first readings of ordinances requiring all water to be metered and rezoning 63 Management Road for industrial use. Second readings include renaming Memory Drive to Edgewood Drive and rezoning 3227 Ellisville Blvd for commercial use. Other actions include authorizing a lease-purchase of six pickup trucks and approving sponsorships for the Laurel Blues Festival.

• Public hearing on dilapidated properties: 312 S. 16th Ave, 511 Sandy T. Gavin, 1220 Anderson St
• First reading of ordinance requiring all city water to be metered (excluding fire sprinklers)
• First reading to rezone 63 Management Rd from A-1 Agricultural to I-1 Industrial
• Second reading to rename Memory Drive to Edgewood Drive
• Lease-purchase of six 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks for Water & Sewer Services

The council approved the second reading of a zoning change for 3227 Ellisville Blvd from R-2 Residential to C-2 Commercial (5-0). Also approved first readings of ordinances amending water meter requirements and increasing reinstatement fees, and a zoning change for 63 Management Road from A-1 Agricultural to I-1 Industrial. A street renaming of Memory Drive to Edgewood Drive was enacted, and multiple resolutions and orders were adopted, including a lease-purchase for six pickup trucks and appointments of city prosecutors.

• Approved second reading of zoning change 3227 Ellisville Blvd to C-2 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of zoning change 63 Management Rd to I-1 (5-0)
• Enacted street renaming Memory Drive to Edgewood Drive (5-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending water meter requirement (5-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance increasing water reinstatement fee (5-0)
• Authorized lease-purchase of six pickup trucks for Water & Sewer (5-0)
• Appointed Aaron Parker as City Prosecutor (5-0)
• Set public hearing for July 7 on three dilapidated properties (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting an order authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with Amick Farms, Jones County, and the Mississippi Development Authority for expansion of Amick Farms operations. Other major items include public hearings on dilapidated properties at 605 Cross St. and 1142 Parker Dr., first readings of a street renaming and a zoning change, and a second reading of a property maintenance code amendment.

• Public hearing on dilapidated property at 605 Cross St. (Open Air Market LLC)
• Public hearing on dilapidated property at 1142 Parker Dr. (Kiwauna Washington)
• Order authorizing agreement for Amick Farms expansion
• First reading of ordinance to rename Memory Drive to Edgewood Drive
• First reading of zoning change for 3227 Ellisville Blvd. from R-2 to C-2

The City Council unanimously approved an order authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with Amick Farms, Jones County, and the Mississippi Development Authority for facility expansion. Also approved were a letter of credit for Howard Industries, a MOU with Jones County for a Justice Assistance Grant, and first readings of street renaming and zoning change ordinances. All votes were 4-0 with three members absent.

• Approved Amick Farms expansion agreement (4-0)
• Approved letter of credit for Howard Industries bond payment (4-0)
• Approved MOU with Jones County for FY24 Edward Byrne JAG Grant (4-0)
• Approved first reading to rename Memory Drive to Edgewood Drive (4-0)
• Approved first reading for zoning change at 3227 Ellisville Blvd. to C-2 (4-0)
• Approved second reading amending Chapter 11 property maintenance definitions (4-0)
• Approved list of unmarked police vehicles (4-0)
• Approved FY26 budget amendments (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions to conduct public hearings on seven dilapidated properties that may be a menace to public health and safety. They will also set a public hearing for an unclean property and a diseased tree. Other business includes approving the FY2025 audit, ratifying an emergency drainage culvert repair, financing six pickup trucks, and the first reading of a property maintenance ordinance.

• Public hearings on dilapidated properties at 1506 N. 1st Ave., 212 Masonite Dr., 415 N. Magnolia St., 863 S. Magnolia St., 1119 N. 9th Ave., 1432 Old Amy Rd., and 1132 N. 14th Ave. (unclean)/208 N. 17th Ave. (diseased tree).
• First reading of ordinance amending Chapter 11 (Housing and Property Maintenance) definitions.
• Demolition assessments totaling $9,629 for 1625 W. 20th St. and $5,128 for 623 E. Kingston St.
• Ratification of emergency order to repair drainage culvert on 10th Street between 16th Avenue and Wansley Road.
• Order to finance six pickup trucks for Public Utilities - Water & Sewer Services.

The council approved the FY2025 audit report (5-1), ratified an emergency repair of a drainage culvert on 10th Street, and authorized financing for new water/sewer pickup trucks. Several public hearings on dilapidated properties were conducted: resolutions for 1506 N. 1st Ave. and 1432 Old Amy Rd. passed with split votes (5-1), while properties at 212 Masonite Dr. and 1119 N. 9th Ave. received six-month extensions. The council also accepted a STOP Violence Against Women grant for the police victim advocate position and heard the first reading of a property maintenance ordinance amendment.

• Approved minutes of April 21, 2026 (6-0)
• Deleted agenda items for public hearings on Carol Jean Kimbrough and JSP Hospitality (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution for public hearing at 1506 N. 1st Ave. (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution for 212 Masonite Dr. with 6-month extension (6-0)
• Took no action on 863 S. Magnolia St. (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution for 1432 Old Amy Rd. (5-1)
• Adopted FY2025 Audit Report (5-1)
• Accepted STOP Violence Against Women grant for police (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance amending the sick leave program for employees hired on or after March 1, 2026, to align with PERS Tier 5. The change clarifies that unused sick leave is not creditable toward retirement and limits lump-sum payouts. Other items include setting a public hearing for dilapidated properties, approving bridge replacement contracts, and renewing several freeport tax exemptions.

• Public hearing set for May 19, 2026 on dilapidated structures at 605 Cross St and 1142 Parker Dr
• Administration authorized to award construction contract for Arco Lane Bridge Replacement Project
• Resolution to submit 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All funding application
• Second reading of ordinance changing sick leave rules for PERS Tier 5 employees
• Freeport tax exemption renewals for Howard Industries, Masonite, Essmueller, Mid-South, and Applied Industrial Technologies

The Laurel City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending the sick leave program for employees hired after March 1, 2026, aligning with PERS Tier 5, making unused sick leave not creditable toward retirement and limiting lump-sum payouts. The council also authorized administration to award construction for the Arco Lane Bridge Replacement Project, submit applications for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants, approve housing rehabilitation agreements, ratify police travel, accept donations, and appoint board members. All votes were 4-0 with three members absent.

• Approved second reading of sick leave ordinance for new hires (4-0)
• Authorized administration to award Arco Lane Bridge construction (4-0)
• Authorized submission of 2026 Safe Streets grant application (4-0)
• Committed matching funds for Safe Streets grant (4-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Citizens National Bank affordable housing application (4-0)
• Authorized MOU with HERE for homeowner rehabilitation project (4-0)
• Ratified emergency order for police travel to Biloxi funeral (4-0)
• Approved tax exemption renewals for Howard Industries and Masonite freeport warehouses (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on eight dilapidated properties and consider second readings of ordinances amending sewer rates for industrial customers and county-owned healthcare facilities, as well as water rates for county-owned healthcare facilities. The council also will vote on awarding a construction contract for the 12th Street Improvements Project and authorizing a Cityworks platform migration and training agreement.

• Public hearing set for May 5 on eight dilapidated properties including 730 E. 18th St., 520 W. 16th St., 1506 N. 1st Ave., and others
• Second reading of ordinance amending sewer rates for industrial customers and county-owned healthcare facilities
• Second reading of ordinance establishing water rate for county-owned healthcare facilities
• Resolution to award construction of 12th Street Improvements Project
• Resolution approving Safety Action Plan for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program

The council unanimously approved several resolutions and ordinances, including awarding construction and engineering contracts for the 12th Street Improvements Project. They also adopted second readings of ordinances amending sewer and water rates for industrial customers and county-owned healthcare facilities. A public hearing was set for May 5, 2026, regarding dilapidated properties. All items passed 6-0 with Councilperson Marian Allen absent.

• Approved monthly budget certification for February 2026 (6-0)
• Set public hearing for eight dilapidated properties (6-0)
• Adopted resolution to award 12th Street Improvements construction contract (6-0)
• Adopted resolution to execute CEI for 12th Street Improvements project (6-0)
• Adopted Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan (6-0)
• Approved second reading of sewer rate amendment for industrial customers, Enactment 1781-2025 (6-0)
• Approved second reading of sewer rate for county-owned healthcare facilities, Enactment 1782-2025 (6-0)
• Approved second reading of water rate for county-owned healthcare facilities, Enactment 1783-2025 (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the privatization of utility billing and several roadway projects. The body is also considering updates to sewer and water rates for industrial customers and county-owned healthcare facilities.

• Contract with H2O Innovation Operation & Maintenance, LLC for Water/Sewer/Utility Billing Services
• Awarding construction and CEI agreement for the West Drive Roadway Improvement Project
• Change Order No. 3 for the 2025 Citywide Paving Project
• Demolition assessments for properties at 612 E. Kingston St. ($5,119), 3131 Cedar Lane Dr. ($3,050), and 209 S. Dr. Deborrah Hyde Ave. ($5,119)
• Second reading of an ordinance to close the alley between Churchton St. and Anderson St. off Pearson St.

The City Council approved a contract with H2O Innovation Operation & Maintenance, LLC for water, sewer, and utility billing services, with an amendment requiring H2O to maintain operations for up to 120 days after termination if requested. The council also approved resolutions for the West Drive roadway project, including construction engineering and inspection, and awarding construction. Several ordinances were advanced on first reading, including changes to sewer and water rates for industrial customers and county-owned health care facilities, and an alley closure was approved on second reading.

• Approved contract with H2O Innovation for water/sewer/utility billing (4-0)
• Approved resolution for CEI agreement for West Drive Roadway Improvement Project (4-0)
• Approved resolution to award construction of West Drive Roadway Improvements (4-0)
• Approved Change Order No. 3 for 2025 Citywide Paving Project (4-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending sick leave program for PERS Tier 5 (4-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending sewer rates for industrial customers (4-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance establishing sewer rate for county-owned health care facilities (4-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance closing alley between Churchton St. and Anderson St. (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider closing an alley on Churchton Street, vacating a portion of Mill Street, and authorizing the issuance of up to $10 million in water and sewer revenue bonds. The body will also approve travel expenses for city officials and consider a resolution regarding AmeriCorps grant funding.

• Close alley between Churchton St. and Anderson St.
• Vacate road right of way on portion of Mill Street
• Authorize $10,000,000 water and sewer revenue bonds
• Approve travel expenses for Mayor Magee ($0)
• Approve travel expenses for Sandra Hadley ($2,600)

The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to close an alley between Churchton St. and Anderson St., and the second reading of an ordinance to close and vacate a portion of Mill Street. It adopted a resolution authorizing up to $10 million in water and sewer system revenue bonds. Additional actions included approving an AmeriCorps grant, renaming the Paula Watkins Soccer Fields, and granting several zoning and travel orders.

• Approved first reading of Alley Closing Ordinance (6‑0)
• Approved second reading of Mill Street ROW Closure Ordinance (6‑0)
• Approved resolution to issue up to $10 million water and sewer system revenue bonds (6‑0)
• Approved AmeriCorps grant application resolution (6‑0)
• Approved order renaming soccer fields to Paula Watkins Soccer Fields (6‑0)
• Approved special exception renewal for short‑term rental at 624 W. 12th St. (6‑0)
• Approved variance to reduce parking spaces at 1621 Highway 15 N. (6‑0)
• Approved travel expense order for Mayor Johnny Magee to attend planning conference in Biloxi (6‑0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will vote on several infrastructure projects, including a resolution to advertise for construction of the Arco Lane Bridge Replacement and a professional services agreement for Pendorf Water Improvements Phase I. Other actions include ratifying an emergency order to repair Euclid Park Canal, considering the first reading of an ordinance to close a portion of Mill Street, and approving demolition assessments for two properties at $5,119 each. The council will also consider appointments, budget amendments, and other routine matters.

• Resolution to advertise for construction of Arco Lane Bridge Replacement
• Professional services agreement for Pendorf Water Improvements Phase I
• Ratify emergency order for repair of Euclid Park Canal
• First reading of ordinance to close a portion of Mill Street right-of-way
• Demolition assessments for 1113 Mississippi Ave and 201 Flora Ave, $5,119 each

The council adopted a series of orders and resolutions, each passing with a 5‑0 vote and two members absent. Items approved included a cloud‑based records system for the police department, a professional services agreement for Phase I of the Pendorf Water Improvements, and budget amendments for FY 2026. All actions were recorded as carried by the five present council members.

• Adopted emergency order for cloud‑based records management software for Laurel Police Department (5‑0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing professional services agreement for Pendorf Water Improvements Phase I (5‑0)
• Adopted resolution granting authority to advertise for the Arco Lane Bridge Replacement Project (5‑0)
• Adopted emergency order to repair Euclid Park Canal (5‑0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to close and vacate a portion of Mill Street right‑of‑way (5‑0)
• Adopted resolution accepting title to reverted property previously donated to the National Council of Negro Women (5‑0)
• Adopted order amending the city organizational chart and related classification/pay grade changes (5‑0)
• Adopted order appointing Louis Crumbley to the Board of Trustees of the Laurel Municipal Separate School District (5‑0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider a series of orders and resolutions, including a proclamation for Arbor Day, contracts for disclosure filing and software services, and a funding program for fortified roofs for income‑qualified homeowners. It will also vote on a supplemental agreement for the Central Avenue Improvements Phase II project and approve routine items such as travel expenses and the claims docket. All items are presented for council approval at the February 3, 2026 meeting.

• Proclamation designating February 13, 2026 as Arbor Day (ID 26-8134A)
• Order to contract Butler Snow for filing the Continuing Disclosure Statement (ID 26-8142A)
• Resolution authorizing the city to act as intermediary for Citizens National Bank to obtain fortified roof funding for income‑qualified homeowners (ID 26-8139C)
• Resolution approving Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for Central Avenue Improvements – Phase II (ID 26-8143B)
• Order renewing the agreement with Granicus for council meeting software (ID 26-8133D)

The council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the city to act as an intermediary for Citizens National Bank to obtain federal funding for fortified roofs for income‑qualified homeowners. It also approved orders to contract Butler Snow for the Continuing Disclosure Statement, to renew the Granicus meeting‑software agreement, and to fund travel for officials to state conferences. Additional resolutions approved the Supplemental Agreement for Central Avenue Improvements Phase II and the Claims Docket. All motions passed with seven yeas.

• Approved resolution to serve as intermediary for fortified roof funding (7 yeas)
• Approved order for Mayor and City Clerk to contract with Butler Snow for Continuing Disclosure Statement (7 yeas)
• Approved resolution for Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for Central Avenue Improvements Phase II (7 yeas)
• Approved order to renew Granicus council meeting software agreement (7 yeas)
• Approved order to fund travel for Superintendent of Inspection to Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement Conference ($1,500) (7 yeas)
• Approved order to fund travel for Fire Chief Leo Brown to Mississippi Fire Chief Conference ($1,077.71) (7 yeas)
• Approved order to fund travel for elected officials to Mississippi Municipal League Summer Conference (7 yeas)
• Approved order to accept $60 donation from Tyler Scott for Fire Department (7 yeas)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will decide on issuing up to $10 million in revenue bonds for water and sewer system improvements, along with agreements to host the 2026 Diamond Youth Baseball and Softball World Series, and a resolution supporting redevelopment of South Park Village. The council will also consider extending the 3% tourism tax and authorizing street improvement projects.

• Consider resolution to issue up to $10M in combined water and sewer revenue bonds for the Pendorff Project
• Consider agreements with Diamond Youth Baseball and Softball for hosting their 2026 World Series
• Consider resolution supporting Laurel Housing Authority redevelopment of South Park Village at 37 Johnson Circle
• Consider request to extend the 3% tourism tax through July 1, 2036
• Consider special exception to allow a snack stand at 1415 Roberts Street (R-3 zoning)

The Laurel City Council adopted a series of orders and resolutions, all passing unanimously (4‑0). Highlights include a resolution to issue up to $10 million in combined water and sewer revenue bonds, a resolution to hire professionals for that bond issuance, and support for the Laurel Housing Authority’s South Park Village redevelopment. The council also extended the tourism tax repeal date, approved youth baseball and softball World Series agreements, and authorized several public‑works contracts and grant applications.

• Adopted resolution to issue up to $10,000,000 water and sewer revenue bonds (4-0)
• Adopted resolution to engage professionals for the water and sewer revenue bond project (4-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting Laurel Housing Authority’s South Park Village redevelopment (4-0)
• Adopted resolution extending the repeal date of Senate Bill 2155 tourism tax through July 1 2036 (4-0)
• Adopted order for Diamond Youth Baseball World Series agreement (4-0)
• Adopted order for Diamond Youth Softball World Series agreement (4-0)
• Adopted order to accept bid for a new street sweeper (4-0)
• Adopted order authorizing an independent contractor agreement with Terry Padgett for Public Works Director Assistant (4-0)

City Council

The council will hold public hearings to determine whether properties at 807 S. 7th Ave. (Ward 6) and 1038 Taylor St. (Ward 7) are dilapidated and a menace to public health and safety. It will also consider authorizing a STOP Violence Against Women grant application, a payroll training contractor, travel for PERS training, and lot cleaning assessments for eight properties. The meeting includes approval of minutes, a budget certification, and a claims docket.

• Public hearings to declare 807 S. 7th Ave. (Matthew Harvey Jr.) and 1038 Taylor St. (Timothy E. Blue) as dilapidated and a menace to public health/safety
• Order to apply for Mississippi OAIV STOP Violence Against Women Grant for FY25–FY27
• Order to hire Sheila Windham as temporary independent contractor for payroll training support
• Travel approval for HR Director, Payroll Technician, HR Assistant, and Finance Director/City Clerk to mandatory PERS Tier 5 training in Jackson, MS on Jan 13, 2026
• Lot cleaning assessments ranging from $73.90 to $124.77 for eight properties across Wards 1, 3, and 4

The Laurel City Council approved several routine items, including lot cleaning assessments for eight properties, travel for staff training, and a grant application for violence against women programs. It also created a temporary part-time payroll training specialist position. The council failed to approve the previous meeting's minutes due to one abstention and three absences.

• Approved lot cleaning assessments for 8 properties (4-0)
• Approved application for STOP Violence Against Women Grant FY25-27 (4-0)
• Approved travel for PERS Tier 5 training on Jan 13, 2026 (4-0)
• Approved out-of-state travel for AmeriCorps conference in Dallas, TX (4-0)
• Approved creation of temporary part-time payroll training specialist position (4-0)
• Approved claims docket resolution (4-0)
• Adopted resolution for public hearing on dilapidated property at 807 S. 7th Ave. (4-0)
• Adopted resolution for public hearing on 1038 Taylor St. with 6-month extension (4-0)