The Greenwood City Council unanimously approved the city’s proposed $37.75 million 2017 budget on Tuesday.
The budget includes $11.747 million in the general fund budget and $26 million in projected grant funding.
It does not contain any tax increase.
“It took us a while to get here. I think it is a good budget. Everyone is going to do their best to be within that budget,” said Mayor Carolyn McAdams.
She particularly thanked the department heads for reining in spending.
When asked by Ward 6’s David Jordan about adding striping to Martin Luther King Drive, McAdams said that will be looked into as soon as the new budget goes into effect. The budget takes effect Oct. 1.
The council also approved a new solid waste collection fee schedule. Under the new provisions, residential customers will be charged $17.50 per month for street and alley pickup. For on-premises collection, the charge will be $22.50 per month.
The council recognized Lora Evans for being named Mississippi Parent of the Year for 2016.
Evans was one of four contenders for the honor.
She is a former member of the Greenwood School Board. She serves as president of the Parents, Teachers, Students Organization at Greenwood Middle School and is a chapter member of Parents for Public Schools of Greenwood and Leflore County.
Evans also serves on the national board of Parents for Public Schools and on the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.
Evans said she appreciated the honor.
“I know the importance of education, and I know the impact that parents have in supporting their students,” she said.
The council also approved a proclamation declaring the week of Sept. 12-16 as Chamber of Commerce Week.
The Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, which celebrates its 99th anniversary in November, was credited by the council as promoting community development and pride.
In other action, the council approved conveying property at 505 Fulton St. to Greenwood Utilities for $150,000. The property is the site of the former Russell Building, which was demolished. McAdams said the municipally owned utility wanted to keep the property for future development.
Regarding the mowing of medians coming into Greenwood, McAdams said Mississippi Department of Transportation has limited mowings to three per year. The city has mowed the medians at a cost of $3,700 to $4,000 each time.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
