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The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at City Hall, taking action on a number of items involving city infrastructure, zoning, public safety, parks and recreation, and the Magee Municipal Airport.
Drainage Study Discussed
Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Engineers appeared before the board to discuss a proposed drainage study for the city.
The study would examine drainage issues and provide recommendations for addressing problem areas. Dungan also advised the board that a loan agreement for sewage projects should be ready in the next couple of weeks.
Parking Ordinance Remains Under Review
The board continued discussion of a proposed city parking ordinance. No final action was taken, and the board plans to review the proposed ordinance at an upcoming workshop.
During the discussion, Alderman Allyson Berch noted that there are “a lot of moving parts in this.”
Foster Parent Recruitment
Roy Logan addressed the board concerning the need for foster and adoptive parents.
Information presented during the meeting indicated that approximately 3,894 children are in foster care, with around 80 children are available for adoption.
Prospective foster parents must be at least 21 years old and may be married or single. The process includes home visits, background checks, references and other requirements.
Logan encouraged those who may be interested to consider becoming foster parents and providing homes for children in need.
Zoning
The board approved zoning matters presented during the meeting, including a plat and a dimensional variance/easement request.
The board approved the final plat for the 7Brew property, as well as an application for a dimensional variance and easement at 210 5th Avenue SE, where the planned use is listed as a new residential dwelling.
The Zoning Department also reported work during the first part of September involving code violations, plat reviews, zoning applications, livestock regulations, wetland designation, sign applications and municipal annexation and road-closure procedures.
The department also worked with a local business owner and other city departments concerning plans for new business construction and the location of a sewer line.
Parks and Recreation
Several improvements are underway at city recreational facilities.
At the SportsPlex, initial repairs to the splash pad have been completed, and the city is awaiting the beginning of phase-two upgrades. Parks and Recreation employees were present when a technician provided instructions on the system. The technician is expected to return to winterize the splash pad and visit again in the spring when it is reopened, providing additional training opportunities for staff.
High-visibility field markers have also been installed on all fields.
Soccer registration ended with approximately 100 participants. Teams were scheduled to begin practicing during the week, with league play beginning in October.
The SportsPlex was scheduled to host a Grand Slam tournament September 19 and the MAIS South State tournament September 26.
Crews have begun repainting the exterior of the softball quad, completing work on the baseball quad and working on the baseball press box.
At Marvin Jackson Park, all basketball rims have been replaced, and work has begun on the new pavilion.
The city is also addressing security at park restrooms. During the meeting, officials discussed possible security measures, including an alarm, keypad and remote-access system.
Parks and Recreation Director Susan Mangum reported that renovations to the press box at the Michael Dunn Building are almost complete.
Mayor Mark Grubbs said, “It’s looking better down there.”
Public Works
Public Works Administrator Tim Bray reported a number of projects underway throughout Magee.
Crews hauled dirt to the lagoon to build up the levee and performed mowing and clearing work around the city, including Big Creek, the SportsPlex overflow parking area and the airport.
Crews also cleaned ditches along Railroad Drive West, 1st Street SE and 1st Street SW.
While investigating a pothole on 8th Street SE, workers discovered a deteriorated galvanized culvert running beneath the street.
Water and sewer work included repairing a water leak on Jadek Drive NE, repairing a water service line on 1st Street NW, repairing a one-inch water line on 8th Avenue and completing sewer and water-line repairs behind Mill Creek housing.
Public Works also completed installation of the new water line in Pinewood Subdivision.
Police Department
The board approved the purchase of 6 laptops for the Magee Police Department from Rankin County. The laptops will be used for electronic tickets and, according to Police Chief Denis Borges, will save the department “a lot of money.”
Three sealed bids were also received involving firearms offered for sale by the department. The board approved the highest bid, which was for $6,501 from Simpson Outdoors.
Fire Department and Building Inspector
Fire Chief David Craft presented the board with two quotes for 14 cameras for the fire department. The board approved the purchase of the lower bid, which was from Source Video in the amount of $10,169.
Facilities Maintenance
Cortez Chatman reported that Facilities Maintenance completed its weekly preventive maintenance checks on city HVAC units.
The department also performed an air-conditioning repair and toilet repair at the SportsPlex and prepared for installation of the new pavilion at Marvin Jackson Park.
Work has also begun toward obtaining electrical quotes for installing outlets along Main Street.
Magee Municipal Airport
Joey McNulty, along with Airport Manager David Moore, addressed the board concerning current needs and potential funding opportunities for the Magee Municipal Airport.
The board was told that the airport’s hangars are completely full and that calls are received regularly from individuals seeking hangar space. Officials said there is currently a waiting list at most airports in the state.
Discussion also centered on grant funding for the building of a new hangar.
A 50/50 grant opportunity totaling approximately $700,000 was discussed, which would require approximately $350,000 in matching funds.
Officials discussed pursuing additional grant funding by applying for multimodal grant funds to help meet the city’s portion rather than placing the cost on local taxpayers.
McNulty told the board, “There’s no liability for signing the current grant we have. We need to sign the first grant so we can apply for the second grant.”
Aldermen Julian Harper and Lawana Thompson expressed concerns about obligating the city and its taxpayers for the cost of the new hangar and the fact that the city is “$60,000 in the hole every year for the airport.”
“There shouldn’t be a cent coming from the city,” Harper said.
Moore suggested a new hangar could bring $3,000-$4,000 in rent.
“We don’t want it costing the taxpayers any money,” Thompson said. “That’s my biggest concern.”
In the end, the board approved accepting the first grant and applying for the second. Alderman Suzie Bourn recused herself for the vote.
Emergency Management
Emergency Management Director John Hosey requested permission to attend the MCDEMA 2026 Mid-Winter Emergency Management/Education Conference, scheduled for November 17–19 at the IP Casino in Biloxi.
Hosey’s request included three nights of lodging at a cost of $230.97 and a $275 annual membership fee, bringing the total requested expense to $505.97.
The request was approved.
Tax Levy and 2027 Budget
The board approved a motion setting the City of Magee’s tax levy at 26 mills, the same rate as the previous year.
The board also approved the city’s 2027 budget as presented.
In another action, the board approved allowing the city clerk to publish the approved budget, with the advertisement to run no more than one week before September 30.
The Magee Board of Aldermen will meet again at Magee City Hall on Tuesday, October 6 for its next regularly scheduled meeting.
