CITY OF HATTIESBURG NEWS

Hattiesburg’s Cost of Curbside Recycling Program to Increase

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 at a cost of $3/month...

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 creatively,” said Barker. “We have...

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 County: 198 Lamar County: 102...

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 when the parts of the...

Hattiesburg Relies on More Stringent Restrictions for Non-Essential Retail to Help Slow the Spread

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 or by appointment only –...

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 path forward for Hattiesburg in...

Mayor Barker Announces Working Group in COVID-19 Response

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. “As we have done with...

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 the information below about unemployment...

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.

April 17 – Daily Update

Today’s update looks at the extended shelter-in-place order by Governor Tate Reeves, Mayor Barker’s daily briefing and mask distribution information. Shelter-in-Place Order Governor Tate Reeves extended the shelter-in-place order through Monday, April 27, 2020. Three changes came with that update. Here is what you need to know: Extension by 7 days (although it can be rescinded, modified or extended by...

60,000 Masks Available to Residents of the Pine Belt

60,000 Masks Available to Residents of the Pine Belt

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Due to the generosity of Spartan Mosquito, a local Hattiesburg Business, 60,000 masks were donated to the City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County and Lamar County governments to distribute to residents at no cost. “Our latest executive order required that employees at essential businesses wear masks and we also made the recommendation that the general public wears a...

April 14 – Daily Update

Public Schools Announcement Governor Tate Reeves announced today that Mississippi Public Schools will not return to physical buildings this semester, but that distance learning will continue. The City of Hattiesburg will continue to work with local school districts and private schools to help communicate any messages they have in regard to this matter. School Meals Hattiesburg Public School District will...