OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — Ward 4 Alderman Shannon Pfeiffer plans to introduce two resolutions at Tuesday’s Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen meeting aimed at improving transparency and restoring public confidence in City Hall.
One resolution would permanently dissolve the Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority (also known as the OSRA or RDA), which has been at the center of months of controversy, public concern, and transparency disputes. Although the Board voted in July to suspend the OSRA, Pfeiffer says that action didn’t go far enough and is calling for a formal and final termination of the body.
The second resolution would implement a standardized numbering system for all city resolutions, similar to how ordinances are already labeled. The goal is to make it easier for residents, staff, and elected officials to track and reference past actions of the board.
Pfeiffer issued the following public statement ahead of the August 5 Board of Aldermen meeting:
Coming Up Tuesday, August 5th: Two Key Resolutions for Good Governance
At Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, I will have the privilege of sponsoring and presenting two resolutions focused on transparency, accountability, and restoring public trust:
Resolution to Establish a Numbering System for Resolutions
This new policy will ensure every resolution is clearly labeled by year and sequence (e.g. RES 2025-01) just like ordinances already are. It will help residents, staff, and board members better track and reference the actions we take each year.
Resolution to Dissolve the Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority (OSRA)
This board was originally created by resolution, and after months of controversy, public concern, and the resignation of all five commissioners, it’s time for a clean break. Simply suspending the OSRA is not enough. The public deserves clarity, closure, and a fresh start.
Why do these changes matter?
• Unnumbered resolutions are harder to search, cite, or review over time
• Inactive boards can be quietly reactivated without public input
• Clear structure builds public confidence in how we govern
• Dissolution is the most transparent and definitive action we can take
I was elected to represent the people of Ward 4 and to support reforms that make City Hall more transparent, consistent, and accountable. These two resolutions reflect that commitment.
Sharing for transparency. All discussion and decisions will occur in public session per the Mississippi Open Meetings Act.
