Explore

Biloxi Mayor Addresses Budget Shortfall and Proposed Property Tax Increase Amid Inflation

Biloxi Mayor Addresses Budget Shortfall and Proposed Property Tax Increase Amid Inflation

Biloxi Mayor Andrew 'FoFo' Gilich announced that the city's revenues have not kept pace with inflation, leading to a budget gap that requires immediate attention before a mid-September deadline. To address this shortfall, a three-mill property tax increase is scheduled for consideration at an upcoming city council meeting. Mayor Gilich stated that this increase would cost the owner of a $200,000 home approximately $5 per month, or $60 annually. He explained that while the city has previously used unrestricted cash balances to cover such gaps, this approach is no longer sustainable. The city council will have the final authority on whether to implement the proposed tax increase. Additionally, Gilich discussed a state law allowing retired public employees to return to their positions at 80% of their salary after a 30-day waiting period, a policy being utilized by several city employees, including Police Chief DeBack.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Park Board Disagree on Consolidation Amidst $60 Million Budget Gap

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Park Board Disagree on Consolidation Amidst $60 Million Budget Gap

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are at odds over how to address a $60 million city budget shortfall. Mayor Frey proposes consolidating park board services, such as human resources, information technology, and payroll, with city departments, believing this could save millions. He notes that the park board is the only entity that has not negotiated to lower its levy, suggesting a property tax increase of about 2.5% for the board, while the board is requesting a 5.86% increase, or $5 million. Frey highlighted potential savings, citing expenditures of $1.8 million for HR, $1.9 million for finance, and approximately $1 million for communications within the park board. However, Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner Kedar Deshpande argues that consolidation is not a realistic solution, stating that a similar effort 25 years ago failed because the city was unable to provide the necessary services for the park board. Deshpande also indicated that the park board is already op...

The Corpus Christi Caller Times

Here's how Corpus Christi's tax rate compares to other Texas cities

Here's how Corpus Christi's tax rate compares to other Texas cities

How does Corpus Christi’s property tax rate compare to the rest of the state? Here's how it compares to eight other Texas cities.

Delaware Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide and DUI After Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Delaware Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide and DUI After Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Samuel Larkin, 42, of New Castle, Delaware, has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence following a fatal motorcycle crash on U.S. Route 13 near Schafer Boulevard. The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. According to Delaware State Police, an Indian Scout motorcycle was traveling northbound on Route 13 when a Mazda 6, driven by Larkin, failed to stop while traveling westbound on Schafer Boulevard, resulting in a collision. The 54-year-old female motorcyclist from New Castle was transported to an area hospital where she later died. Larkin exhibited signs of impairment when officers spoke with him and was taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently charged with second-degree vehicular homicide – driving under the influence – negligent causing death, a felony; driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol; and failure to stop at a stop sign. Larkin was arraigned and committed to the Department of Correction on a $5,101 secured...

DNREC Adopts Emergency Regulations to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease in Delaware Deer Population

DNREC Adopts Emergency Regulations to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease in Delaware Deer Population

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has implemented emergency regulations to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the state's deer population. This action follows the initial discovery of CWD earlier this year in Central Sussex County. The new regulations establish a CWD Management Zone (CMZ) encompassing Wildlife Management Zones 14 and 16, including DNREC’s Midlands Wildlife Area and Trap Pond State Park. Within this zone, the use of bait and feed for attracting deer is prohibited. Hunters harvesting deer in the CMZ during the November general firearm season (Nov. 13-22) are required to check them in at designated stations: Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s Jones Crossroads Landfill near Georgetown and The Gumboro Service Center. Additionally, the regulations define requirements for moving harvested deer out of the CMZ, prohibit the rehabilitation and relocation of 'rescued' deer fawns from the Sussex County CMZ, and impose a statewide ban on na...

Delaware DNREC Adopts Emergency Deer Hunting Regulations to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease Spread

Delaware DNREC Adopts Emergency Deer Hunting Regulations to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease Spread

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has implemented emergency regulations for deer hunting to curb the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). These new rules aim to manage the deer population and monitor the prevalence of CWD within the state. Hunters will be able to submit their harvested deer for testing at various self-serve drop-off locations across Delaware. Further details regarding these testing sites and the specific regulations will be made available on the DNREC website before the upcoming hunting season commences. Additionally, the Division of Fish and Wildlife plans to issue an addendum to the 2026 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide, which will provide comprehensive information about CWD and the new emergency measures. This proactive approach by DNREC underscores the seriousness with which the state is addressing the potential threat of CWD to its deer population and ecosystem.

Washington County Commission Criticizes Prior Administration Over Budget Oversight Amidst Cumulative Losses

Washington County Commission Criticizes Prior Administration Over Budget Oversight Amidst Cumulative Losses

The Washington County Commission in Maine has strongly criticized the prior administration for a lack of management, leadership, and oversight after accepting the 2023 audit, which revealed the county ended that year with a $1.2 million deficit. Finance Director Jenny Windsor, hired in April, reported that the 2023 audit was completed on schedule and confirmed the significant net loss. Windsor also highlighted that audits from 2019 through 2022 consistently showed net losses, indicating a cumulative four-year loss of $2.2 million, which, combined with the 2023 deficit, led to a substantial request of $6.9 million from taxpayers in 2025. Commissioner Billy Howard stated that Windsor's summary demonstrated a clear "lack of management, leadership and oversight for years," while Commission Chair David Burns expressed discomfort with a proposed 40% budget increase for 2027, questioning the county's affordability.

Seattle's Wealthiest Neighborhoods Face $2 Billion Bill for Aging Buried Power Lines

Seattle's Wealthiest Neighborhoods Face $2 Billion Bill for Aging Buried Power Lines

Residents in some of Seattle's most affluent neighborhoods, including Laurelhurst, Madison Park, Magnolia, and Queen Anne, are facing a potential $2 billion bill to replace aging underground power lines. These lines were originally buried over 60 years ago at the request of residents who wanted to beautify their areas by removing visible poles and wires. The cables were installed directly into the wet Seattle soil without protective conduits, and are now deteriorating, leading to frequent and prolonged power outages. Seattle City Light estimates that replacing the 330 miles of faulty cable could cost $2 billion. KIRO host Gee Scott highlighted that this situation exemplifies a pattern where gains are privatized, but problems become socialized, meaning the cost of repairs would likely be spread across all Seattle City Light customers through higher rates, regardless of whether they benefited from the original decision to bury the lines.

Delaware Faces Persistent Drought Challenges

Delaware Faces Persistent Drought Challenges

Delaware is grappling with persistent drought conditions, as highlighted by historical and recent data. The Mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, has experienced rapid-onset droughts and multi-year dry spells, such as the 1960s drought of record. Impacts include fish kills, saltwater intrusion, and drinking water concerns. NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has launched the Mid-Atlantic Drought Early Warning System to improve resilience and response. Source time: not specified.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times

There's still time for you to weigh in on Corpus Christi city budget

There's still time for you to weigh in on Corpus Christi city budget

The city of Corpus Christi is holding more public meetings where residents can share input on how the city spends money in the next fiscal year.

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

Ojai council concedes flaws in homeless housing project process

Ojai council concedes flaws in homeless housing project process

The Ojai City Council reviewed a grand jury report criticizing the city for bypassing competitive bidding on a housing project.

Elena Delle Donne thinks of 'little Elena' ahead of Hall of Fame induction

Elena Delle Donne thinks of 'little Elena' ahead of Hall of Fame induction

Elena Delle Donne will be immortalized in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 15, in Springfield, Massachusetts.