Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap

Robert Chapman

By Robert Chapman, Alderman-at-Large

Clinton’s Board of Aldermen opened its February 17, 2026, meeting with Clinton Boy Scout Troop 88 leading the pledge of allegiance to earn merit badges and observe the civic duties of their municipal government in action.

The Board heard from Tara Lytal, director of Main Street Clinton. She said her volunteer recruitment drive held in January was a success, and they have already kicked off their spring events, such as their third annual Chocolate Walk with over 190 tickets sold this year.

Main Street Clinton is working on its National Accreditation and has successfully grown their Love Local Campaign having the local magazine Our Mississippi Home feature it in a recent edition.

Tara said Main Street Clinton’s social media reach and engagement is on the rise, and events like “Mad for Mahjong” are continuing to grow in popularity.

In conjunction with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, the Red Brick Roads Music and Arts Festival is scheduled for March 26-28. Other events that are scheduled for the spring and summer are the Olde Towne Markets on April 11 and May 9, with the Caterpillar Parade to commence on April 11.

Dinner-and-a-Movie dates are set for April 10, April 24, May 8 and May 17, with Spring Concerts already being lined up for April.

One of the next ventures Main Street Clinton is pursuing is a Destination Dining campaign highlighting the culinary options available downtown as well as the growing businesses.

She closed out by letting the Board know that Main Street Clinton and other Main Street organizations have a real economic impact on their communities.

Moving into the Discussion/Action portion of the meeting, the Board opened by adopting a resolution appointing members to the Clinton Public School District Board of Trustees.

Alderman Chapman and Alderman Wilbanks both recused themselves from this vote.

In a 3-2 vote, the Board appointed Dr. Matt Thomas, Paula DeYoung, Dr. Felicia Gavin and Bernard Kines to serve staggered terms over the next five years, with Derek Holmes to reach an end of term on July 1, 2026. Those who voted in favor of the resolution were Alderwoman Godfrey, Alderwoman Oliver and Alderman Lott. Those who voted against the resolution were Alderwoman McSparrin and Alderwoman Jones.

Next, the Board was notified of a need to increase garbage rates for residential and commercial customers after Waste Management notified the City of an increase in the consumer price index. The second meeting in March will host the public hearing to adopt the new rate.

The Board received a request from Clinton Fire Chief Levius Buckley to accept a $350 donation from Sheryl Landrum in honor of Ret. Deputy Chief Tim Shanks, who recently passed away.

Clinton Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn asked the Board to authorize advertisements for bid on the softball fourplex building at Traceway Park. This project previously was found to be too expensive, but revisiting this project as part of the 2% special tax initiative has allowed the City to afford to explore more.

The Board approved a contract of $21,367 for Pyro Shows to enter into an agreement for the annual Red, White and Blue Fest on the Fourth of July.

A change order for $25,500 to Delta Construction for the Trailwood Drive sewer repair point was requested by Public Works Director Phillip Lilley. The use of Delta Construction, Lilley said, was needed due to the dangerous manner of the project.

Lilley also asked the Board to approve an agreement between Adcock Employment and Public Works.

The Board approved a dozen promotions within the Clinton Fire Department, as well as the hiring of a new administrative assistant for Parks and Recreation and two maintenance workers for Public Works.

The Board also entered an executive session, where they took an action on an employee matter, suspending two employees without pay for three days each.

In Extra Business, the Board approved a late hire of a new police dispatcher.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Space will be provided in each issue of The Clinton Courier to the Board of Aldermen for a recap of each meeting. Aldermen are asked to volunteer to provide this recap for the Courier.