During Monday’s meeting of the Board of Mayor and Alderman, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. made a motion to reduce the mayor’s salary from approximately $126,520 to $106,520.67. The motion was seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour with both Flaggs and Monsour voting in favor and ultimately passing the ordinance.

In a statement released Monday, Thompson called the move “politically motivated and emblematic of misplaced priorities within the current leadership and listed this as is one example of the abuse of power that has taken place during this administration.”

“It’s no surprise when a defeated politician drops a stink bomb on their way out the door, but it still leaves a mess to be cleaned up,” Thompson said. “I’m focused on issues like eliminating our $1.5 million garbage deficit and cleaning up our streets so local businesses can thrive.

“As mayor, I will focus on solutions to our problems, not petty politics at the 11th hour after already being defeated in an election. It’s time to restore integrity to our budgeting process, support our city employees, and deliver the services Vicksburg residents expect and deserve,” he said.

Ward 1 Alderman TJ Mayfield recused himself from the vote. The rate of pay for the two alderman positions, which is currently at $87,787.41, remains unchanged.

Thompson will officially be sworn into office Tuesday, July 1.