City sets public hearings to discuss ward redistricting

by Associated Press

Published: June 21,2012

Tags: district, election, municipal government, Politics, population, redistricting, representation, vote, voter, Voting, ward

GAUTIER — Two public hearings have been set on the redistricting of wards in the city of Gautier.

The Mississippi Press reports the city council scheduled the hearings for July 2 and July 16.

The city’s population soared from 11,681 in the 2000 census to 18,572 in the 2010 count, a 59 percent increase.

City officials have pointed to the 2005 annexation of Hickory Hills and an area of west Gautier as a primary reason for the growth and difference in ward population.

Following the 2005 annexation, a fifth ward was added to the city.

Eric Meyer, director of economic development and planning, said the target for the wards is 3,714 and the variance should be no more than 10 percent from the highest to lowest.