Other Cities Host Convention Receptions for Less than Southaven

(Biloxi,MS) A reception hosted by the City of Southaven, Mississippi remains under the microscope, thanks to the large price tag for the event.

City leaders paid an estimated $80,000 for the event which Southaven aldermen say the mayor marketed a popular networking event

“Everybody looks forward to the Southaven party because that’s the one that’s going to be the best one,” said State Senator Kenneth Wayne Jones of Central Mississippi.

The mayor’s party was well attended, but others mayors drew a strong turnout with a substantial amount of savings. 

The city of Ocean Springs held one the same night as Southaven’s and did it for much less.

“The board of aldermen allocated about $1500 but we didn’t spend it all,” said Connie Moran, mayor of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Moran had an advantage, her town is just down the road from the convention. 

She said her city would have come together to put together a show responsibly, “Throwing a lot of money at it is not going to be the best ticket.  I know I couldn’t get that through my board of aldermen, $80,000.”

But Greg Davis did, it was a tie vote, and Davis cast the tie breaker. 

Alderman Ronnie Hale is one of the ones who voted against it, “I didn’t think it was a good use for the money.”

Other lawmakers said they didn’t have the money to throw a party like that, and even if they did, they still wouldn’t do it.

“Every city’s different and I don’t think the city of Hernando would do that”, said Chip Johnson.

Even state senator Kenneth Wayne Jones, who loves Southaven’s bash says city money should never pay for it.

He said he spent money at the convention, but it’s coming out of his own pocket.

“My money is not taxpayer money, that’s my money” said Jones.