Columbus City Council working to finalize FY 2027 budget

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – We’re nearing the end of budget season in Mississippi, and cities and counties are putting the final touches on their annual spending plans.

The Columbus City Council was hoping to finalize its budget Wednesday at its bi-monthly work session, but there are still a few details to iron out.

Mayor Stephen Jones says one of his goals is to pass a plan without increasing taxes on city residents.

The city is adding a few positions and looking at some possible equipment purchases.

The Mayor would like to see a 3% across the board pay increase for city workers, and he says there are some indivduals whose pay needs to be brought into alignment with their positions.

But he says any raises need to be approached fairly.

“Some of the, a lot of the people have gone to the council and trying to get them to put in for them a raise, which is not really the way it’s supposed to be done. It should be done in a fair way. Whenther I like you or I dislike you, if you do a job then you should be compensated for that job based ont the performance of that job; not based on who I know. And, that’s what we’re trying to work through.”

City and County budgets have to be finalized and sent to the state by end of business Tuesday, September 15th. The City may schedule another special meeting or work session to complete its budget.