Mississippi State Board of Architecture approves FY2027 budget, raises executive director's pay

RIDGELAND, Miss. — At its July 22, 2025, meeting in Ridgeland, the Mississippi State Board of Architecture approved a FY2027 budget request of $368,123, including salary increases for staff.

The motion to approve the FY2027 budget was made by Richard McNeel and seconded by Larry Bishop; the Board voted unanimously to adopt the request. The approved budget includes a 5% increase to Executive Director John Cothron’s salary (an increase of $5,278.37 including fringe benefits) and a 5% increase to the Administrative Support Specialist’s salary ($2,598.98 including fringe benefits). The Board discussed the budget during an executive session on personnel matters before returning to vote on the public motion.

Executive Director John Cothron presented the budget overview and answered members’ questions about administrative costs and staffing. Cothron also reported that a proposed five-year lease extension for the Board’s office was approved by the Public Procurement Review Board on May 7, 2025.

Board members set the next general meeting for Oct. 21–22, 2025, in Ocean Springs. The meeting adjourned at 2:10 PM.

Motions and votes referenced in this article are recorded in the Board minutes (motion to approve FY2027 budget: mover Richard McNeel; seconder Larry Bishop; vote: unanimous).