The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Alderman has voted to lower the mayor’s annual salary by nearly $20,000. The ordinance was approved exactly two weeks ahead of current mayor George Flaggs, Jr.’s final day in office.
Mayor-elect Willis Thompson, a Democrat who unseated the incumbent independent by just 61 votes in the general election on June 3, took exception to the salary slash, saying the move was politically motivated.
“It’s no surprise when a defeated politician drops a stink bomb on their way out the door, but it still leaves a mess to be cleaned up,” Thompson said in a Monday statement. “I’m focused on issues like eliminating our $1.5 million garbage deficit and cleaning up our streets so local businesses can thrive.”
During the board meeting, Flaggs stated that it was his honor and pleasure to get his “high four,” referring to being compensated in state retirement in relation to his four highest-paid years in office.
Flaggs also alluded to rerouting the $20,000 cut from the mayor’s salary into a city youth program, though he said, “I’m not going to do that because I’m not going to be here.”
Thompson believes the current administration, which has been led by Flagg for 12 years, passing the ordinance before a change in leadership shows a lack of integrity.
“As mayor, I will focus on solutions to our problems, not petty politics at the 11th hour after already being defeated in an election,” Thompson’s statement continued. “It’s time to restore integrity to our budgeting process, support our city employees, and deliver the services Vicksburg residents expect and deserve.”
The ordinance now lowers the mayor’s annual salary to $106,520.67, while the two alderman’s salaries will hold at $87,781.41. The mayor’s salary was increased by around $20,000 in 2021.
Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour sided with Flaggs in the vote, while Ward 1 Alderman TJ Mayfield abstained. Thompson will officially take office on July 1, the day after Flaggs’ final pay period ends.
