Boney rejected as fire chief; others OK’d

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has notified City Council President Paul Tisdale that Joe Boney will continue serving as fire chief until a new chief is in place.

Gilich’s move comes after the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday overruled the mayor’s nomination of Boney. Under state statute, Gilich has 90 days to more forward with another recommendation.

Reappointed during the meeting Tuesday were Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard, Police Chief John Miller, and directors Jerry Creel of Community Development, Billy Ray Allen of Public Works and Sherry Bell of Parks and Recreation. Also reappointed was City Attorney Peter Abide and the firm Currie-Johnson.

Councilmembers voted 4-to-3 against Boney. Voting against reappointment were Councilmembers Felix Gines, Dixie Newman, Robert L. Deming III and Nathan Barrett.  Councilmembers George Lawrence, Paul Tisdale and Kenny Glavan voted in favor of Boney, a 37-year veteran of the fire department with eight years as chief.

Boney had announced during a July 6 council meeting, the first of the new term for elected leaders, that he planned to retire at the end of this year.
Video: Watch the Tuesday meeting
See the Boney announcement
See the mayor’s memo