Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Monday, April 27, the City of Hattiesburg announced plans to move forward with a reduction in force process in response to projected shortfalls in sales tax revenues from COVID-19’s effect on the Hattiesburg economy. As of Friday, May 1, the city’s administration moved forward with a reduction in force that included...
Category: News & Updates
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Hattiesburg’s Cost of Curbside Recycling Program to Increase
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Due to commodity market changes affecting the current recycling contractor, the City of Hattiesburg will present a new contract with a new company – Republic Recycling in Baton Rouge – on Tuesday for review by City Council. Since 2014, the city has offered its recycling services to residents through a voluntary-pay program...
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Hattiesburg Mayor Issues Guidance for Retail with new Executive Order
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Thursday, April 30, Mayor Toby Barker issued Executive Order 2020-5 to provide guidance to retail businesses regarding in-house capacity and masks. “As we begin taking steps to reopen parts of Hattiesburg’s economy, we do so with a dual focus of prioritizing public health while giving the private sector space to operate...
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April 29 – Daily Update
Today’s update looks at the 5-day average of new positive cases for the Hattiesburg-Metro area. The graph below depicting the 5-day average provides a glimpse at our local data for the Hattiesburg-Metro area, and also for what it means when you hear the words/phrases “peaked,” “flattening the curve,” or “slowing the spread.” Today’s Numbers: Forrest...
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Hattiesburg Begins Reduction in Force in Response to COVID-19
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Due to projected shortfalls in sales tax revenues from COVID-19’s effect on the Hattiesburg economy, the City of Hattiesburg will experience a reduction in force beginning this week. The city’s general fund is heavily dependent on the tax dollars generated from retail sales, and March numbers indicate a downturn (approximately 15%) for...
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Hattiesburg Relies on More Stringent Restrictions for Non-Essential Retail to Help Slow the Spread
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – To further slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Hattiesburg metro-area and with provisions from Governor Tate Reeves latest safer-at-home order, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker is leaning on more stringent regulations for non-essential retail beginning Monday, April 27. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, they can operate by drive-thru, pickup sales, curbside delivery...
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April 23 – Daily Update
Today’s update includes a few notes about Mayor Toby Barker’s Community Working Group and a thank you to a very long list of incredible people in our community. Check it out below. Mayor Barker’s Daily Briefing In case you missed it last night, Mayor Barker announced his Community Working Group that will provide guidance on the...
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Mayor Barker Announces Working Group in COVID-19 Response
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Wednesday night, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker addressed citizens via Facebook Live to announce a community working group as the next step in the city’s response to COVID-19. This working group will be tasked with identifying both the challenges and creative solutions in re-opening all facets of Hattiesburg after the shelter-in-place ends....
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April 21 – Daily Update
Today’s update includes a few notes about unemployment as directed by Governor Tate Reeves’ press conference today, information about curbside pickup at the Hattiesburg library, a helpline from Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services and an additional way for you to give back to the community during this time. Unemployment Please note, that while we are sharing...
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April 20 – Daily Update
For today’s update, Mayor Barker’s briefing addresses today’s numbers, a look at the curve (ft. a 5-day average), the shelter-in-place extension by Governor Reeves and a look at masks. To see the full video, click below.