Power company franchise vote is Tuesday

The City of Biloxi will conduct a special election on Tuesday, and, if history is an indication, turnout will be low.

Biloxi voters on Tuesday will cast ballots on whether to renew an existing franchise agreement with Mississippi Power. City polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those voting must wear a mask and have an identification card. Hand sanitizer will be available.

In last vote on the franchise agreement, in November 1995, only 523 of the city’s 27,000 registered voters took part in the referendum, with 498 voting to renew and 25 voting against.

The franchise vote, required every 25 years by state law, allows Mississippi Power non-exclusive use of city rights-of-way and the right to provide electric service to those Biloxi residents in the power company’s certificated area of service. The agreement does not impact current Coast Electric customers in Biloxi.

The City Council in April renewed the agreement, but state statute requires a referendum.

Voting for approval of the city ordinance will entitle the city to 3 percent of gross revenue that Mississippi Power collects from residents and businesses.

Voting against approval of the city ordinance will entitle the city to only 2 percent of gross revenue, which state law requires Mississippi Power to pay.
Here’s where you vote Tuesday
See the council-approved franchise agreement

News & notes: Weekly report, council, fingerprints, hazardous waste

The week that was: Last week, the Fire Department answered 130 calls for service, including 80 medical emergencies and four fires; the Police Department handled 1,817 calls for service; the Community Development Department issued 64 building permits with a construction valuation of more than $3 million; and the Engineering Department continued to progress on projects throughout the city.  To see the reports covering last week, click here. 

City Council: To see the agendas for the City Council’s two meetings on Tuesday — a 5 p.m. budget gathering followed by a 6 p.m. regularly scheduled meeting — click here.

Fingerprinting: The Biloxi Police Department will resume fingerprinting services — Tuesdays for employment and Thursdays for other needs, 9:30 to 11 a.m. both days — at the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center on Porter Avenue. For more information, including fees and coronavirus guidelines, call the Biloxi Police Department Public Fingerprint Information Line at 228-435-6123.

Household hazardous waste: The Harrison County Beautification Commission will now accept household hazardous waste daily appointments and has canceled the public Aug. 8 drop off day. For more information, call 228-896-0207 and click here.