While Greenwood has weathered the economy of 2011 better than other cities of comparable size, that outcome was based upon a lot of hard work, said Mayor Carolyn McAdams.
“When the economy took the downturn, some cities just didn’t have the income coming in to match their expenses,” she said.
One of the central pillars of Greenwood’s success was the implementation of a Police Department amnesty program two years ago, which allowed people to pay off outstanding fines to the city without fear of arrest.
“This year, $350,000 was brought in thanks to that program that otherwise we would not have gotten,” McAdams said.
The mayor said she got the idea for the amnesty program following a TV news report on a similar program being implemented in Columbus, which was facing a staggering $5 million to $10 million in debt.
McAdams told Police Chief Henry Purnell to get in touch with the police chief of Columbus to find out about the program and “do whatever is necessary” to implement a similar one in Greenwood.
The mayor said the city’s department heads have also been instrumental in watching their individual budgets closely and trimming where necessary.
In addition, the city budget is the subject of a weekly meeting between McAdams and City Clerk Nick Joseph.
“We’re looking at it this morning in fact,” McAdams said today.
Grant funds have been successfully used most recently in the renovation of Howard and Johnson streets, the planning of the city’s linear park and in efforts to revitalize Baptist Town.
McAdams said the shooting of “The Help,” in Greenwood last year is still reaping benefits.
The hit movie has brought tourists and sightseers to the city long after shooting wrapped in the fall of 2010, she said.
Long-established businesses, such as Staplcotn and Greenwood’s banking community, make the city a hub of commercial activity.
“All of that helps,” McAdams said.
Greenwood also benefits from a vital retail base, which has transformed downtown into a host of specialty shops.
Even with the announced closing of Delta Correctional Facility next month, McAdams said she remains optimistic.
“Even though some are closing, some are opening,” she said.
McAdams said the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce and the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation are highly valuable commodities.
Angela Curry, executive director of the foundation, said Greenwood and Leflore County are better situated than other communities.
“Considering the slow economy, this community has weathered the storm. We have learned to think creatively and take a creative approach to economic and community development. We’re engaged in some very non-traditional development projects that will serve to improve the community and its residents,” she said in a prepared statement.
McAdams said 2012 promises great things for the city.
“We’re still searching. We’re going to expand the horizon,” she said.
• Contact Bob Darden at bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
