Pascagoula hires Donovan Scruggs as city planner

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) - Pascagoula has hired Donovan Scruggs of Ocean Springs as its new city planner.

Scruggs has more than 15 years’ experience in town planning and development and has worked for Ocean Springs, Meridian and Hattiesburg. He also has the company Donovan Scruggs Town Planning and Consulting.

Scruggs began work Monday at a salary of $57,800.

Officials say the move will allow city engineer Jaci Turner to focus more on a public works role.

The new hire was initiated when city operations manager Steve Mitchell, who oversaw public works and utilities, retired last month. That’s when Turner, who was director of planning, inspections and engineering, began to take on his responsibilities.

Officials say having Turner focused on public works will benefit the city, and Scruggs’ professional experience will boost the planning department.