Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich today issued a statement explaining his veto of Resolution No. 55-26 and reaffirming his commitment to working with the City Council to move Biloxi forward as “one city, not seven different ones”.
Mayor Gilich said the resolution that calls for funding allocations by ward is not allowed under the Mississippi Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor said the resolution, which might be well-intentioned, was not fully thought through and would have created problems for how the City is legally required to operate. Under Biloxi’s form of government, the City Council approves budgets and laws, and the Mayor is responsible for managing how funds are spent. The resolution would have allowed individual council members to directly control repair funds in their wards, which conflicts with how the City is structured to ensure accountability and transparency.
Mayor Gilich also noted that state infrastructure funds come with strict rules about how they can be used. Simply dividing those funds by ward does not meet state requirements and could expose the City to audit issues or possible repayment of funds. The resolution would also restrict future revenues and fund balances, even though city budgets are normally reviewed and approved on a year-to-year basis.
“We’re not saying no to improvements,” Mayor Gilich said. “This is about making sure we follow the law, protect the City’s financial stability, and make decisions that benefit all of Biloxi. Again, we are not seven different cities, we are one city.”
Mayor Gilich emphasized that he remains committed to working with the City Council on lawful and practical solutions that ensure fair infrastructure improvements and responsible use of public funds across all wards.
“My focus continues to be what’s best for Biloxi,” he said. “I am committed to working through any and all challenges in our city’s future, alongside the Council, to keep Biloxi moving forward together.”
See the veto message
