Kevin Bates

Discussion of the fiscal year 2018 budget, focusing on the needs of the Hattiesburg Fire Department and the Hattiesburg Police Department. For the fire department, the discussion included the need for an additional fire station along Highway 49 North. For the police department, the discussion involved scaling back the project to its original intent, which was a police station and a Municipal Court building. A three mil increase on property taxes was proposed to fund these projects.

The comprehensive plan focuses on guiding Hattiesburg's growth, investments, and services over the next 20 years. It addresses priorities like infrastructure, land use, housing, transportation, and economic development, aiming for progress, sustainability, and opportunity. The plan emphasizes public input to shape goals and reflects community values.

The City of Hattiesburg's 2025 Annual Action Plan focuses on housing and community development needs, utilizing CDBG and HOME funds. Key objectives include improving affordable housing access through rehabilitation and rental assistance programs, addressing public service needs by supporting local non-profits, and preventing homelessness. The plan also prioritizes citizen participation and collaboration with various agencies to maximize the impact of available resources.

The City of Hattiesburg's 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan aims to address high-priority housing and non-housing needs. Four main goals are outlined: providing suitable living environments, improving access to affordable housing, enhancing economic development opportunities, and addressing high-priority public service needs. The plan will invest CDBG and HOME resources to improve infrastructure, enhance public safety, support housing repair and rehabilitation, prevent and address homelessness, expand affordable housing, increase living wage jobs, and provide supportive services for low-income residents. The plan was developed through consultation with residents, agencies, and stakeholders, and incorporates feedback from a public review period.

The Hattiesburg Board of Adjustment agenda includes a public hearing to discuss two petitions for variances. The first petition, from Hattiesburg Clinic, requests a variance for a pole sign at 4209 Lincoln Road, allowing the bottom edge of the message area to be three feet above ground instead of the required six feet. The second petition, from Darlene Thomas and Parker Sullivan, requests a variance for a wall sign at 810 James Street, increasing the allowable message area square footage.