The city’s animal control officer and public works department were publicly praised during this week’s city council meeting. And one alderman said he would like to see the city’s street workers receive a pay raise in the upcoming budget season this fall.
Alderman Macklyn Austin said he wanted to shine a spotlight on the city’s public works department after he joined them for a few days to observe their day-to-day operations.
“I was surprised to see some of things they have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, especially in all of the kinds of weather and conditions they have to get into with the sewers, the ditches and the drains,” Austin said. “We ask for the community to try and help keep our city clean and organized. But a lot of that responsibility relies on our street department.”
Austin said street workers’ salaries do not add up for the type of services they perform.
“I know we are in the middle of our budget year, but come October, I think we need to show some strong emphasis on the type of money our street workers are making,” he said. “It doesn’t add up to the type of work they are putting out. And I think it should be compensated in a way more in line with what they are doing.”
Mayor David Starling also thanked the work being done by the city’s animal control officer, Charles Lewis.
“He is a very prompt individual when he gets a call,” Starling said. “Since Mr. Lewis has taken his post, there has been a significant difference in what we see as far as stray animals on the streets of Yazoo City. But it’s not just that. He is also attentive with our community’s calls.”
In another commentary by city leaders, Austin added that he has been bombarded with concerns from Housing Authority residents. He said he and Starling have reached out to the leaders of the local Housing Authority about the recent concerns, and he anticipates a public report in an upcoming board meeting.
“I want the people in the apartment complexes to know that they do have a voice,” Austin said. “They do not have to be scared to speak up about the mistreatment that they get from the Housing Authority. I know a lot of these people are telling the truth, and I just want them to know that they can reach out to us.”
Austin said the city has representatives on the Housing Authority Board, and he hopes to resolve some of the recent issues being reported to city leaders.
