Byram board weighs sewer funding, police vehicle lease, and FY2027 budget
The Byram Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a series of work sessions and a special called meeting over the past two weeks, but no formal decisions have been published. All recent meetings are agenda-only, with minutes not yet available. The board discussed the FY2026/2027 budget, a sewer expansion funding application, a police vehicle lease, and other items.
Sewer expansion and police vehicle lease
At the Aug. 13 meeting, the board was set to consider a resolution to apply for Delta Regional Authority (DRA) funding for sewer expansion and to pledge a city match. The agenda also included a three-year lease purchase with OZK Bank for three Ford Explorers for the Police Department, with a first payment of $56,011.58.
The consent agenda included approval of a claims docket of $287,353.17, purchases of structural firefighting gear for $13,482.00 and fire hose for $15,725.00, and hiring of a K-9 officer, a Level III police officer, a dispatcher, and two retired/certified firefighters.
Budget work sessions
The board held three budget-related work sessions. On Aug. 17, it discussed projected FY2026/2027 budgets for the Police Department, elected officials, mayor, city clerk/administration, and city hall. On Aug. 18, it reviewed budgets for the Fire Department, tourism fund, 2% restaurant tax fund, law enforcement fund, and several bond and TIF funds, including the 2012 GO Bond, 2017 TIF Phase 1, 2018 Sewer Revenue Bond, and 2025 TIF Phase 2 and 3. It also discussed SB2468, Fire Rebate, ERBR, and Unemployment funds.
On Aug. 20, the board held a budget work session and special called meeting to discuss FY2027 budgets for all Public Works departments, including Streets, Planning & Zoning, Inspection, Parks & Recreation, and Sewer. It also considered selecting a project engineer for the DRA Community Infrastructure Fund project for the Hinds Parkway Sewer.
Soccer Complex and other items
At an Aug. 10 work session, the board discussed financial projections for a bond issue for the Soccer Complex project, setting dates for budget work sessions and a public hearing, mosquito spraying in the city, and a potential ordinance establishing a curfew for minors. The agenda also included discussion of the Aug. 13 meeting agenda.
Coming up
The board will hold a work session on Monday, Aug. 24, at 6:00 PM at City Hall to discuss employee salaries and raises for the FY2027 budget. No other substantive items are on the agenda.