This is the first in a three-part series on Poplarville.

Almost two-years ago, Poplarville Mayor Brad Necaise took the oath of office.
During his tenure, Necaise said the city of Poplarville has undergone many positive changes, the first being the city’s finances.
“In just one fiscal year we have improved our reserves by a month and half,” Necaise said.
According to the audit, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, the city’s unassigned governmental fund balance was $662,028. The ending balance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, was $849,003, the audit states.
“That will cover four months of the city’s operating expenses,” Necaise said. “The state requirement is three months, but every month you have there is better for the city.”
In efforts to conserve funds, Necaise said some tough decisions were made, which included leaving positions vacant when an employee retired or resigned and foregoing luxury items.
At the end of 2013, the city has exceeded its liabilities by $6,209,285 and at the end of 2014 that number was $6,252,101, the audits state.
“The number is higher this year because of the monthly payments for the ladder fire truck,” Necaise said. “This marked the first time the city purchased a fire truck. It was required based on fire codes. The safety element improved and now the truck can reach higher than 36 feet at the eaves.”
The 2013 audit report states, “the total net position increased by $49,933, of which $10,453 was associated with governmental activities and an increase of $39,480 from business activities.
The 2014 audit report states, “the total net position increased by $42,816, of which, a decrease of $9,894 was associated with governmental activities and an increase of $52,710 from business activities.
At the close of fiscal year 2013, the city governmental fund’s combined ending balance was $781,542, the audit states.
At the close of fiscal year 2014, the city governmental fund’s combined ending balance was $915,533, which was an increase of $133,991 as compared to last year, the audit states.
“I am very proud of our conservative approach to fiscal responsibility, which we committed to during our run for city offices,” Necaise said. “We have had to make some hard decisions, which has enabled us to move a four month reserve, which was a goal of this leadership from the beginning. This type of financial position keeps our city operational in the event of an emergency.”