Cities must wait for annexation ruling

Decision likely won’t come until spring

By MARY PEREZ - meperez@sunherald.com

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D’IBERVILLE — The annexation fight between D’Iberville and Biloxi likely won’t be settled until spring.

“Don’t look for anything until March,” D’Iberville attorney W. Fred Hornsby III told the City Council on Tuesday. He said once the court reporter completes the transcript, the cities will have 30 days to submit briefs outlining their positions and the judge will probably review the case for 3 to 6 months.

Hornsby said many people living in the proposed annexation area sent letters to the court saying they don’t want their property annexed, but would prefer D’Iberville if they had to choose.

Mayor Rusty Quave said a split was offered to both cities before the trial and would have saved considerable money if an equitable agreement had been reached.

In other action:

n City Manager Michael Janus reported $900,000 in delinquent fines and fees are owed. “We’re going after them,” he said, probably giving people who owe for speeding tickets and court fees an amnesty period to pay up before hiring collectors and adding penalties to what they owe.

n Janus also said the city will have a financial workshop for officials to learn more about municipal bonds, grants and other financing.

n The council asked that signs be put up directing traffic from Popp’s Ferry Road to the less-used west entrance of The Promenade.