Ocean Springs doubles its expenses for engineering services

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (AP) - City officials in south Mississippi say they were trying to cut costs by changing a city engineering contract.

But, the Mississippi Press reports that Ocean Springs ended up doubling what it will spend for the services.

Aldermen recently voted to end the city’s contract with Compton Engineering, which it had been paying $10,000 a month.

In a series of meetings, aldermen hired two firms - Overstreet & Associates and Brown, Mitchell & Alexander. Each of those will receive $10,000 a month, doubling the city’s expense.

Alderman Mike Impey voted against switching firms. He says the change is baffling.

Alderman Rob Blackman also voted against the switch. Blackman and Impey work for other engineering firms, but those are ineligible for city contracts because of men’s positions on the governing board.

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Information from: The Mississippi Press, http://www.gulflive.com