by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — On May 20, the Pass Christian Board of Aldermen appointed Billy Dauphin after a 4-1 vote as the new Director of the Community Development Department to fill the vacancy from April. This position includes the Code Official, Code Enforcement Officer, and Local Floodplain Manager at a starting salary of $53,000.
Dauphin’s annual salary will be automatically increased to $55,000 upon a successful completion of the test and certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager. Following the appointment, the city accepted the resignation of the interim Community Development Director Peggy L. Johnson in her part-time role she filled since April. The only dissenting vote was Ward 2 Alderwoman Regina Charlot.
With a lengthy discussion, the board tabled receiving a financial update for the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year. Along with this 4-1 vote to table, an April Budget Report, estimated timeline for 2022-23 & 2023-24 audits, and bank balances were included in this review. Ward 1 Alderwoman Betty Sparkman was the dissenting vote.
The city unanimously approved four projects for submittal of Tidelands Application, which are due June 30, 2025. These were:
- Finger Piers in the East Harbor
- Wood Fillers in the East Harbor
- Electric Upgrades to Pier C-2
- Replace Decking on Pier C-2
Finally, the city of Pass Christian adopted an ordinance regulating open burning after hearing a recommendation from Fire Chief Dia’Mond Woodman. The city ordinance will be released in 30 days after the meeting.
Upon an executive session, Harbor Clerk and Water Billing Supervisor Jennifer Lizana was unanimously terminated. Lizana had been with the city of Pass Christian since 2013.
The 2025 Municipal Elections for Ward 1 and Ward 2 will occur on Tuesday, June 3. In Ward 1, Republican candidate Barry Dreyfus is the only person actively campaigning for the seat. Although Ward 1 Alderwoman Betty Sparkman will be on the ballot, she has announced to the city and on social media, that she plans to officially withdraw at the end of the term.
The Ward 2 seat will be between Incumbent Regina Charlot and Challenger Joseph Piernas, Sr. Charlot has served for 8 years while Piernas previously held the seat years ago before exploring other endeavors.
