Brookhaven aldermen discussed redistricting Tuesday and remain at an impasse over several key issues.

     Consultants from Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development (SMPD) met with city aldermen to hear input about redrawing the city’s ward lines as required by law.

     Ward Five Alderman D.W. Maxwell wants to maintain a portion of Ward Five lost to Ward Six under a proposed map of new ward lines drawn by consultants.

     Ward Three Alderman Mary Wilson also remains adamant she does not want to take in portions of Ward Six the new map would include in Ward Three.

     Agreement does exist between Ward Four Alderman Shirley Estes and Maxwell. The proposed lines call for Ward Four to lose part of its northwestern border to Ward Five, and the two aldermen seem largely of one mind on proposals to shift the areas Ward Four loses.

     Ward Four does not expand at any point, but only shrinks. Following the 2010 census, Ward Four’s population was the highest.

     No such agreement exists, however, between Maxwell and Ward Six Alderman David Phillips.

     Under the proposed plan, Ward Five’s eastern border would be Highway 51, and would not include the full length of Brookway Boulevard as it currently does.

     Maxwell and Phillips had a brief exchange about the issue Tuesday evening. Maxwell said he’s willing to lose part of the Brookway Boulevard stretch, but not the entire length.

     “I own property there, and I’m not willing to give it up,” Maxwell said.

     “Is that your call to give it up?” replied Phillips.

     “Is it your call to take it?” Maxwell said.

     Maxwell said he would give up any of the northern part of Ward Five to Ward Six in exchange for keeping much of the Brookway Boulevard area. Phillips didn’t express an opinion on that idea, though he later said he’s happy with the Ward Six lines as drawn and could vote for the plan as is.

     Mayor Les Bumgarner offered an alternative plan drawn up by consultants, a map he dubbed “Plan B.” Under the Plan B map, Ward One loses the Brignall Road area, Ward Three does not extend as far north and Ward Six sees some demographic shifts.

     “On this plan, I think Six gets gutted on white voting age population,” Phillips said. “Geographically, it looks good. Demographically, it’s bad for the sixth ward.”

     Ward One Alderman Dorsey Cameron also resisted Plan B, and aldermen seemed in agreement as to disregarding the second map.

     SMPD Director Wirt Peterson warned aldermen they don’t have a lot of flexibility.

     “We’re very close on these numbers,” Peterson said. “There’s not a lot that can be done.”

     Bumgarner said the two maps he’s shown aldermen are the only maps consultants have been able to draw that meet all guidelines.

     “I think they’re beginning to realize it’s not as easy as you want it to be,” Bumgarner said after the meeting.

     Peterson arranged to meet with aldermen later in Jackson where, with computer software, the maps can be drawn live for aldermen.

     Aldermen will hold another work session Thursday evening to review video footage recorded by cameras in city sewers.