Biloxi Citizens Submit 'Stop the Debt' Petition Against $18 Million Bond

Petition organizer says 273 pages of signatures were filed to put the bond issue to a public vote.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A petition to put the City of Biloxi's $18 million bond debate in the hands of voters was submitted on Tuesday afternoon. Organizer Wendy Lally filed 273 pages of signatures for the 'Stop the Debt' petition with the City of Biloxi, stating that the people of Biloxi have spoken. The petition needed 1,500 signatures to put the $18 million bond on the ballot for Biloxi voters to decide, and the signatures will now need to be verified.

Why it matters

The $18 million bond was approved by the city council in February to fund dozens of proposed projects, though a finalized list has not been settled on. The petition submission represents growing public opposition to the bond and a desire for voters to have a direct say on the issue.

The details

Wendy Lally, the petition organizer, called gathering the 1,500 signatures a 'monumental task' but said 'We the People of Biloxi have spoken.' During council meetings, members have noted that the city may not pursue the entire $18 million, but the vote signified that no more than that amount can be sought.

  • The petition had to be filed by March 17, 2026.
  • The city council approved the $18 million bond amount on February 10, 2026.

The players

Wendy Lally

The organizer of the 'Stop the Debt' petition who filed 273 pages of signatures with the City of Biloxi.

Biloxi City Council

The city council that approved the $18 million bond in February 2026, though they noted the full amount may not be pursued.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It wasn't easy to gather these signatures, but we did it. We the People of Biloxi have spoken.”

— Wendy Lally, Petition Organizer

“It is so nice to see people being involved in local government. I think our local governing bodies for that We the People are part of it.”

— Wendy Lally, Petition Organizer

What’s next

The signatures on the 'Stop the Debt' petition will now need to be verified by the City of Biloxi before the $18 million bond issue can be put to a public vote.

The takeaway

This petition submission highlights growing grassroots opposition to the proposed $18 million bond in Biloxi, as residents seek a direct say on the issue through a public vote. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's future infrastructure projects and spending priorities.