Three days after officially taking office, Vicksburg Mayor Willis Thompson spent time in the office of Mississippi State Auditor Shad White. Thompson said Thursday that meeting was part of his efforts to get the ball rolling on the issues he campaigned on.

“There are several things that need the board’s immediate attention,” Thompson said. “Number one is getting a good snapshot of our financial situation. I know we need to cut some costs. I know we need to tighten our belts. And I plan to set up a meeting with our financial advisor and the board so we can discuss it. That’s one of the most important things.”

Thompson said, as part of his fiscal review, his administration is also taking a hard look at the city’s garbage contract with Waste Management, an issue he said during his campaign was mismanaged by the past city administration.

“We’re going to look at our garbage contract,” he said. “We’re going to review it. I’ve taken the liberty to go over to the auditor’s office with just my own questions about some things I was concerned about moving forward. We’re going to review every contract, but the garbage contract is going to affect every taxpayer, or every garbage customer, so that’s got to be at the top of the list to see what options we have moving forward.”

Thompson said a large part of the fiscal review of the city is being able to adequately prepare the budget that will come due October 1.

“Those are pressing things that we need to do,” he said.

Thompson also addressed another area many residents have been vocal about with administrations changing: What city leaders stay, and which ones go.

“I think we need to take time and do our due diligence with making appointments,” Thompson said. “I really want to take the time to talk to our employees; talk to our division heads. See what they’re doing. See what everybody’s skill set is and make a decision from there. It won’t be a political thing where I just come in handing out jobs. I really want to move the city forward, but I think we need the people in the right positions.”

Thompson said that doesn’t mean some turnover will not take place, but added he is approaching the situation with an open mind.

“I’m not saying everybody’s leaving. Might just be reassigned somewhere. We might see it’s fine and keep it where it is,” he said. 

One position that has drawn the interest of the public is Vicksburg’s chief of police and what change may come for that office.

“I’ve already had a conversation with Chief (Penny) Jones,” Thompson said. “We had a great conversation. And she’s not out of contention. I just want to take the time to find out where the challenges are; where the needs are. We also have to look at all the candidates, with the chief of police and with the division heads. I’ll make a recommendation to the board and hopefully they will support how we need to proceed.”

Thompson also said beautification, including fighting blight across town, is an issue he wants to address sooner rather than later.

“We’re going to be out and be visible around the city and we’re going to do things that need our immediate attention, but we do have plans to address blight in the community and housing in the community,” he said. “Beautification efforts are starting immediately. There are things we can do to show the public we’re going to take care of the city and we’re going to help it meet its potential and we care about how the city looks. We’re going to get on that immediately.”