Hattiesburg, Mississsippi – On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, Mayor Toby Barker announced Malcolm Berch as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Hattiesburg. Berch has worked for the city for nearly four years, most recently serving as interim chief financial officer. During that time, he was utilized in various departments, splitting most of...
Category: News & Updates
Mayor Gives Update on 7th Anniversary of 2017 Tornado
On the eve of the 7th anniversary of the 2017 tornado, Mayor Toby Barker and the City of Hattiesburg extend condolences to affected families and offer an update on two of the public facilities that were damaged during that tragic event: Timberton Park and Fire Station 2. Status of Timberton ParkBids have been opened and...
City Seeks Public Input for 2024 RAISE Planning Grant Application
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg has launched an online survey for Hattiesburg area residents to provide feedback regarding the challenges of east-west travel inside the city. This questionnaire will be used as part of the city’s application for a planning grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability...
Hattiesburg and Community Partners Give Mardi Gras Season Preview
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Today, Mayor Toby Barker and city officials gathered at City Hall to announce several events for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. The 2024 festivities promise to be more vibrant and memorable than before, with new traditions and events being added to this year’s itinerary. A glimpse of the 2024 Mardi Gras event...
Mayor Toby Barker Announces Next Chief of Police
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Monday, January 8, 2024, Mayor Toby Barker announced the appointment of Hardy Sims to serve as the next Chief of the Hattiesburg Police Department. Under Barker’s administration, he will lead the department of more than 150 officers and civilian employees. This decision comes shortly after current Chief Peggy Sealy announced her...
City of Hattiesburg Launches Public Engagement Phase for a Proposal Involving Technology for First Responders
HATTIESBURG, Miss., – During the January 2, 2024, meeting of the Hattiesburg City Council, Mayor Toby Barker gave a presentation to the council to introduce three technology initiatives for the city’s first responders: drone-supported assistance for both fire and police, as well as camera-assisted support for the police department regarding ticketing school zone violations and uninsured drivers....
Hattiesburg’s Top Cop Announces Retirement
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – After 36 years of service to the City of Hattiesburg with the Hattiesburg Police Department, including three as the City’s first female police chief, Peggy Sealy has announced her retirement for the end of January 2024. “This role has been more than an honor,” said Sealy. “When my career began in the...
Looking Up to Hattiesburg Selected for Midnight on Front Street Poster
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – During a press conference on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Mayor Toby Barker was joined by the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art and the Downtown Hattiesburg Association to unveil artwork by Hattiesburger Louisa Shows, that will be featured on the Midnight on Front Street, Hattiesburg’s New Year’s Eve Celebration poster. Aptly titled, “Looking...
Upgrades Continue for Hattiesburg Water Plant #1
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the City of Hattiesburg will continue with upgrades at Water Plant #1 on Hwy 42 which includes a contractor rehabilitating the 5-million-gallon underground tank that is onsite. This includes emptying, cleaning and refilling. This work is possible without interrupting water service to the city’s residents due to...
Hattiesburg Mayor Appointed to National League of Cities’ Presidential Election Task Force
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – In mid-November, The National League of Cities (NLC) launched a 2024 Presidential Election Task Force at its annual City Summit Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The new effort is spearheaded by 17 city leaders from throughout the country, including Hattiesburg, Mississippi’s Mayor, Toby Barker. The nonpartisan task force will advocate on behalf of...