Up to 35 low-income, first-time homebuyers will be able to obtain $11,000 to help with a down payment and closing costs through the City of Vicksburg Housing Office this year, Beatrice Moore told the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday.

An informational event for people who want to know more will be from 2 until 6 p.m. Monday at the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library, 700 Veto St. Attendees will be able to take part in one-on-one counseling as well as learn about acquiring a free credit check, credit counseling and other down payment assistance programs available. 

If you go

The City of Vicksburg Housing Office will host an informational event for those who want to learn more about taking advantage of homebuyer assistance programs on Monday at the public library, 700 Veto St., from 2 until 6 p.m.

“This a great opportunity for those who are interested in home ownership to learn about the assistance programs available and how to access them,” said Moore, director of city housing programs.

The board approved receiving a $198,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas through RiverHills Bank on Monday, and Moore said the city has already received another $187,000 grant through BancorpSouth to provide $11,000 loans, which are forgiven over a five-year period.

Over the past four years, the city’s housing office has helped 54 residents and families achieve home ownership, and provided financial literacy and homebuyer education to 760 clients. Another 20 households were assisted with a $30,000 loan at a fixed 3 percent interest rate through the city’s Housing Revolving Loan Program so far this year.

Mayor Laurence Leyens was absent from Monday’s meeting, leaving North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield and South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman to conduct business. Mayor-elect Paul Winfield attended the meeting as an observer — as he did during a board meeting last week — in preparation of his taking over as mayor July 6.

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On the agenda

Meeting Monday without Mayor Laurence Leyens, Vicksburg aldermen:

• Approved board meeting minutes from April 10, 20, 22 and 24.

• Acknowledged Helen Grissom of Camellia Home Health & Hospice as the Vicksburg    Senior Center’s June Senior of the Month.

• Proclaimed the week Health-care Risk Management Week.

• Proclaimed June National Homeownership Month.

• Accepted June 2 results from the municipal election commission.

• Bought an engine-driven generator from Wesley B. Jones Electrical Inc. of Vicksburg for $25,567.

• Sold surplus property at 805 Second North St. to Orlando Jones for $150 and at 1110 Grammar St. to Virgia Hearron for $300.

• Authorized the city clerk to re-advertise sealed bids for service department uniforms.

• Accepted proposals for lease purchase of equipment from Trustmark National Bank, BancorpSouth Equipment Finance and California First National Bank.

• Authorized the mayor to sign a local system bridge program agreement with the state regarding a Baldwin Ferry Road bridge.

• Decided to close and vacate a portion of Beck Street and accepted a temporary construction easement from Robert C. Clingan and Richard Hunter. City Attorney Nancy Thomas said the easement will be used, if necessary, as work is completed on the slope stabilization project on the east side of Washington Street. Traffic will not be affected or detoured, said Thomas.

• Hired Petcon Inc. of Jackson to inspect two above-ground fuel tanks at the Vicksburg Municipal Airport for $2,905.

In executive session, the board:

• Approved employment action forms in the gas, recreation and police departments.

• Approved four rehires in the recreation department and one at Main Street.

• Approved raises for three fire department and 42 police department employees following performance reviews.

• Approved a promotion in the waste water department.

The next board meeting is at 10 a.m. June 23 in room 109 of the City Hall Annex, 1415 Walnut St.

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Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.com