Vicksburg City Board Delays Permanent Appointments for Interim Department Heads
Vicksburg, Mississippi, is currently navigating a transitional phase in its city administration as Mayor Willis Thompson announced on Friday that the city will delay the announcement of permanent department head appointments. This decision comes in light of scheduling conflicts and the necessity to interview additional candidates, ensuring that the best fit is selected for each role.
Reasons for the Delay
During a morning city board meeting, Mayor Thompson explained that the board had initially planned to make appointments public on that day. However, the recent Municipal Conference, which kept board members out of the office last week, contributed to the postponement. The mayor emphasized the importance of thorough interviews, stating, “We have decided to move that date, and we will release that date in the upcoming week.” This approach reflects a commitment to careful consideration in filling these crucial positions.
Upcoming Special-Call Meeting
To facilitate the transition and ensure clarity in the city’s organizational structure, a special-call meeting is scheduled for next week. This meeting will focus on approving an updated organizational chart for city administration. The new chart will outline responsibilities and roles, guiding the board in making informed appointments based on the defined structure.
Current Interim Department Heads
As the city awaits permanent appointments, interim leaders have been maintaining their roles since the board’s decision on July 10. Each interim appointee is currently under a 50-day evaluation period, allowing the board to assess their performance and suitability for permanent positions. Below is the list of interim department heads currently serving Vicksburg:
- City Clerk: Deborah A. Kaiser-Nickson
- Police Department:
- Police Chief: Mitchell Dent
- Fire Department:
- Fire Chief: Trey Martin III
- Deputy Fire Chief of Suppression: Trey Martin III
- Deputy Fire Chief of Ambulance Service: Jessica Cade
- Legal Department:
- City Attorney: Lee D. Thames Jr.
- Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor: Keyona Henry
- Assistant City Prosecutor: Stephen McMillan
- Municipal Court:
- Municipal Court Judge: Angela Carpenter
- Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem: Penny Lawson
- Municipal Court Clerk: Roslyn Gates
- Other Departments:
- Director of Recreation: Patrick Daughtry
- Director of Human Resources: Carol Sullivan
- Director of Finance and Administration: Doug Whittington
- Director of Information Technology: Pamela Newton
- Director of Public Works: Dane Lovell
- Director of Community Development: Jeff Richardson
- Airport Manager: Ron Davis
The Path Forward
As Vicksburg moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the right candidates are selected for these pivotal roles. The upcoming special-call meeting and the evaluation of interim leaders will play a significant role in shaping the future of the city’s administration. The community will be watching closely as the board prepares to make these important decisions that will impact the governance and services provided to Vicksburg residents.
