OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — A special called meeting of the Board of Aldermen took an unexpected turn Tuesday night when an agenda update, added just hours before the meeting, signaled possible action involving the Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority, often referred to as the RDA.
What began as a routine night of Planning Commission interviews ended with the formal resignation of all five members of the embattled redevelopment board.
The original meeting notice listed only one purpose: interviewing candidates to fill open seats on the Planning Commission. The City Clerk later confirmed the meeting would not be live-streamed due to the interviews. But shortly before the meeting began, a new item appeared on the agenda: “Discussion and possible action regarding Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority.”
Twelve candidates were interviewed over the course of several hours. At the end of the session, the Board of Aldermen voted to appoint three new commissioners:
- Ward 4: Michael Smith (three-year term)
- Ward 6: Clay McArdel (three-year term)
- Commissioner At-Large: Jennifer Dalgo (to serve the final year of Matthew Hinton’s vacated term)
The board used sealed ballots. Results were counted and announced by recently appointed City Clerk Christine Millard.
Once the commission votes were complete, Mayor Bobby Cox asked Interim City Attorney David Harris to read aloud a letter addressed to the mayor and board from the Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority. The letter, signed by all five RDA commissioners, was a joint resignation, effective immediately.
Earlier this month, the newly elected Board of Aldermen voted to suspend the RDA amid public concerns over transparency and accountability. In response, RDA members have publicly defended their conduct, often blaming “misinformation” for criticism, but without ever specifying what was false or who was spreading it.
Their resignation letter reiterated that defense, asserting the RDA operated with “unprecedented transparency.” The letter also referenced “a different agenda” from the new administration and hinted that the board’s direction no longer aligned with City Hall.
After Harris finished reading the letter, Ward 4 Alderman Shannon Pfeiffer made a motion to formally accept the resignations. The board approved, and Harris was instructed to send a letter of appreciation to the outgoing RDA members.
Following the meeting, former RDA members took to Facebook to mock the Board’s decision not to stream the meeting. When one resident asked why the meeting was not available on YouTube, former commissioner Doug Roll replied, “The irony! Oh the irony.” Kenny Williams, another former member, posted a meme of Michael Jackson eating popcorn.
Roll added, “Envelopes of money,” alongside a string of emojis — later clarifying, “Those were just one of many accusations made by the uninformed who have an agenda that the RDA participated in such actions.” He did not say who made the accusation or when it occurred.
Planning consultant Donovan Scruggs — who was a regular presence at RDA meetings during efforts to market the Leica property for a hotel and convention center — also weighed in, writing, “It is only unethical if they do not approve.” To which Williams replied, “Zactly.”
Below is the full text of the resignation letter, as read into the public record:
Mayor and Board,
We, the Board of Commissioners of the Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority (“OSRA”), hope this letter finds you well.
As you know, each of us was previously appointed by the Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen to serve on OSRA, based upon our history of and interest in community service. We have served in these uncompensated roles for the last several months, with the stated goals of fostering economic growth, enhancing the quality of life for all residents, and continuing the revitalization of Ocean Springs.
This mission was undertaken pursuant to the vision of our prior administration, and understandably, the newly elected administration has a different agenda and conception of what Ocean Springs needs for the next four years.
It has become apparent to the undersigned Commissioners that the new administration feels the Redevelopment Authority is either unnecessary at this juncture of the City’s progress or that a different composition of the Board of Commissioners might better suit the goals of the recently elected officials.
With this understanding, we, the undersigned Commissioners, respectfully submit and tender our resignation from the Ocean Springs Redevelopment Authority, effective upon the adjournment of the July 23, 2025 special called meeting of this body.
It is our belief that our tenure has been one of unprecedented transparency. Each meeting was noticed and posted in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi. Never once has this Board entered executive session to discuss any matter whatsoever. In every public meeting in which business was conducted, at least one elected official was present. In many such meetings, members of the public, media, and City staff were in attendance.
Any assertion to the contrary is, at best, misleading.
In any event, we will continue to serve and support the Ocean Springs community in new roles and, as always, with humble dedication and devotion.
Sincerely,
Greg Cronin
Doug Roll
Jeff Shepard
Dr. Todd Coulter
Kenny Williams
