Since taking office, Thompson has convened a wide array of financial leaders to address the city’s challenges—including the State Auditor, the city’s independent auditor, financial advisor, and bond counsel. Together, they are reviewing the city’s current payment dockets, outstanding obligations including bonds, and the largest recurring expenses across departments.
“We inherited a massive deficit and a financial mess,” Thompson said. “The city’s reserve fund was all but gone when we arrived, and the garbage system was operating at an unsustainable deficit. This budget represents a commitment to responsibility and transparency. We are stabilizing garbage operations with the intention of lowering rates once the deficit is paid off, and at the same time, we are strengthening our investment in public safety.”
In addition to core budgetary priorities, Thompson announced that his administration is putting new policies in place to ensure accountability and efficiency, including formal sponsorship guidelines, a review of the city’s advertising expenditures, and closer monitoring of departmental spending.
The FY26 budget directs significant resources to police, fire, and ambulance services, underscoring the administration’s pledge to make public safety a top priority. Funding is also included for infrastructure, utilities, recreation, and economic development projects.
“This budget balances revenues and expenditures, funds essential services, and does it all without raising city property taxes,” Thompson said. “Every line item reflects a commonsense approach—living within our means while delivering the services people expect and deserve.”
Thompson expressed gratitude to department heads, staff, and citizens who engaged in the process, noting that financial recovery is a community-wide effort.
“Step by step, Vicksburg is moving forward with accountability, stability, and vision,” Thompson said. “We promised to put people over politics and restore fiscal discipline—and this budget is proof that promise is being kept.”
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