Mississippi Code Title 21. Municipalities § 21-9-25

The first city council elected under the provisions of this chapter shall at its first meeting employ by majority vote of all its members a city manager who shall be the chief administrative officer of the city. The manager shall receive such compensation as the council shall determine, and shall be chosen solely on the basis of his or her experience and administrative qualifications. The manager shall not engage in any other business or profession that conflicts with the duties of the office of city manager so long as such person holds the office of city manager. Before the city manager engages in any other business or profession, the manager shall give notice of such business or profession to the city council. No person elected to the city council shall be eligible for the office of city manager during the term for which the person was elected.

If the office of city manager becomes vacant, the city council shall appoint without delay a new manager or an acting manager to fill the office until a new manager is designated.

In case of the absence or disability of the city manager, the city council may appoint a qualified person to perform the duties of the city manager temporarily.