Бюджетные сокращения в Уотер-Вэлли могут привести к увольнениям в полиции и пожарной охране

Water Valley facing budget cuts that could affect police, fire departments WATER VALLEY, Miss. (WTVA) — The city of Water Valley is in a tricky situation with its new budget. The city proposed a budget that would cut a good chunk out of the city’s police, fire and streets departments. He claims a recent budget workshop revealed the police department is facing more than a 35% reduction in its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on Oct. 1. This comes as the city and the Water Valley Utilities Commission negotiate a new deal. The Commission is a big source of the city’s budget, as the money it would pay in taxes goes directly to the city. A new deal is not in place, meaning there could be some serious financial repercussions. Mangrum said the police department currently employs 16 people and said budget cuts could lead to layoffs and a decline in services across the city. He’d hope for a budget increase that would lead to more hires, raises and the replacement of equipment. “Our salary level is significantly lower than some of our neighbors,” he explained. “Most of our staff are very dedicated. They are dedicated to me. They are dedicated to the department and the city and acknowledge that they are a little underpaid.” He continued, “We were hoping for a raise in this next coming up budget, but of course, if that cut happens, then of course, that raise will not happen. We will then expect them to seek other employment for better pay, and I can’t really blame them if they did.” Negotiations are taking place between the city and the Commission, but there is a lot of disagreement amongst the parties involved. Commission Chairman Brandon Presley said, “Water Valley residents and businesses cannot stand a 30% rate hike or fake fees. We stand committed as we have for months to helping the city solve their internal budget issues where legally possible.” The Water Valley Board of Aldermen released a joint statement on Thursday in which it strongly condemned Mangrum’s statement. The Board later gave WTVA another statement: “We all recognize the weight of the decision before us and want every decision to be based on facts and made with the best interest of making the town better. They are encouraged by the progress and hope to reach a responsible solution very soon.” Mayor Tommy Reynolds stated, “If we don’t take care of our police, fire department, and streets, we will have problems attracting new people and maintaining people we have. Those functions are absolutely essential to have a growing community and maintain the community that we have.” The new budget goes into effect on Oct. 1. There is a mayor and board of aldermen meeting at City Hall on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Mangrum urged residents to attend. Copyright 2026 WTVA. All rights reserved.