A steep population loss is contributing to the need to draw new ward lines in Magnolia.
Figures from the 2020 federal census show a loss of 537 people, from 2,420 to 1,883, between the 2010 and 2020 population counts, despite annexing more land and people into the city during that time.
That’s a population decline of more than 22%.
Alderman Joe Cornacchione questioned whether the last annexation was included in Magnolia’s population figures, but Hazlehurst attorney Carroll Rhodes — engaged by the city to help draw the new ward lines — said any changes since 2010 would be accounted for in the 2020 figures.
Rhodes asked board members to adopt redistricting goals and criteria at the board’s March meeting, so he can work on the ward map and perhaps have it ready to bring back for consideration by the April meeting.
In other business, the board:
• Heard an economic development report from Tremaka Sermon, who said a Louisiana company has expressed interest in coming to Magnolia.
• Discussed making May 25 Reo Varnado Day, with his relatives planning special events in town that day.
• Noted the awarding of a $268,000 federal transportation grant to build a walking track around a city park and its tennis courts.
• Discussed an agreement with WGK Engineers for work on the city’s wastewater treatment facility.
• Considered Robert’s Rules of Order for governing the conduct of city board meetings.
• Discussed advertising for engineering services on projects that might be funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
• Discussed participation in a regional hazard mitigation plan.
• Learned of the resignation of deputy city clerk Sevetrius Dillon.
