The City of Biloxi may soon see a change in how its council meetings are conducted. On Monday night, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich hosted a special workshop as a question-and-answer session ahead of Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
Mayor Gilich explained that this format could become a regular part of Biloxi’s schedule, introduced in response to council members’ calls for greater transparency. Several councilmen told WLOX News that the move represents progress in improving communication between the administration and the council.
Discussion Behind Closed Doors
The workshop lasted about 90 minutes, with most of that time spent in executive session. During this private portion, council members and city officials heard from the attorney handling Biloxi’s eminent domain dispute, a case that could cost the city nearly $4 million.
Although the details of the session were not disclosed, the city attorney confirmed that a Harrison County judge has not yet issued a final judgment. However, court documents show that the decision could come as early as this week, as both sides were instructed to submit final arguments.
Debate Over Sports Complex Fees
During the open portion of the meeting, Ward Four Councilman Jamie Creel discussed the mayor’s plan to raise rental rates and introduce admission fees for travel ball tournaments at the A.J. Holloway Sports Complex.
Creel opposed the admission fee, expressing concern that it could discourage event promoters. After discussion, a compromise was reached — the admission fee will be removed, but the rental rate increase will stay.
Currently, renting the fields costs $1,500 per day. The new proposal raises rates to $2,000 for one day and $3,000 for two days. The final vote on this matter is scheduled for Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
| Rental Option | Current Fee | Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Rental | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| 2-Day Rental | $3,000 (combined) | $3,000 (reconfirmed) |
Workshop Not Streamed Online
Many Biloxi residents who regularly watch council meetings online were surprised when this special workshop wasn’t streamed.
Chief Administrative Officer Rick Weaver explained that the city does not broadcast all minor meetings. He added that several meetings were scheduled that week, and to reduce overtime costs for public affairs staff, the city decided not to record this particular session.
