Greenwood City Council Meeting Brings Big Changes

News Summary

During the recent Greenwood City Council meeting, significant changes were announced for the community. DeWannda Dee Sayles was welcomed as a new member of the City Board of Zoning Appeals. A major sanitation fee increase, affecting local businesses, was approved, with rates rising by 26%. Additionally, the council discussed a new article for temporary emergency housing for Hurricane Helene victims and procedures for commemorative benches. The meeting underscored the council’s ongoing efforts to address community needs and engage residents in local governance.

Greenwood City Council Meeting Brings Big Changes

In the sunny, beautiful city of Greenwood, residents might want to grab their calendars because changes are on the horizon! On January 29, 2025, the City Council gathered for a lively meeting with plenty of news that will affect the community.

Welcome Aboard, DeWannda Dee Sayles!

First up on the agenda, the council warmly welcomed a fresh face to the team. DeWannda Dee Sayles took her oath of office as a new member of the City Board of Zoning Appeals. This exciting moment was witnessed by City Manager Julie Wilkie and City Clerk Tiffany Albert. It’s always great to see new leaders stepping up to help guide our vibrant community!

Sanitation Fees Set to Increase

As the meeting unfolded, the council turned their attention to an important topic that’s likely to affect many local businesses—sanitation fees. In this session, the council discussed amending the fees for commercial waste collection services. After much deliberation, it was decided that the city will no longer subsidize these services for commercial enterprises. This means a notable change is coming: a 26% increase in sanitation fees for commercial clients. Fans of fun facts will appreciate that this impacts approximately 839 accounts, with increases ranging from under $5 to a hefty $100, depending on the size of the waste container used!

A New Article for Temporary Emergency Housing

Not all of the news was about fee increases, though. Other discussions centered around the Greenwood Zoning Ordinances. The council conducted a first reading of a new article that focuses on temporary emergency housing. This article permits the use of recreational vehicles (RVs) on residential properties for those who are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This provision will be in effect until December 31, which should provide some relief to those who have found themselves in a tough situation.

An Opportunity for Commemoration

In a heartwarming turn, the council also explored measures for memorializing loved ones. They discussed procedures for commemorative benches that residents can dedicate in memory of friends and family. While they are still working out the specifics on pricing and bench locations, it’s clear that these benches will offer a fitting way to keep the memories of loved ones alive within the community.

Closed-Door Session and Upcoming Meetings

Before wrapping up the meeting, the council went into a closed-door session to discuss some personnel matters concerning the police department, as well as updates on local retail without taking any action afterwards. It’s good to know that important matters are being handled with care.

Mark your calendars again, because there are more opportunities to engage with city happenings! The next work session is scheduled for February 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., followed by the next regular council meeting on February 24, 2025, at the same time. Both gatherings will be held at 520 Monument St., Room 207.

All in all, it’s clear that the Greenwood City Council is getting busy with changes that will impact both residents and businesses alike. Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to stay involved in the discussions that shape this wonderful city!

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Additional Resources

• Index Journal: Greenwood City Council Discusses Rate Increases
• Arkansas Online: Greenwood City Council Tables Votes
• Index Journal: Edwards Balancing Duties
• Wikipedia: Greenwood
• Greenwood Commonwealth: City Council Updates
• Google News: Greenwood City Council