Erek Leary

The special meeting addressed two ordinances. The first involved the second reading and final approval of Ordinance No. 25-024 to levy tax and adopt the budgets for the City of Greenwood in 2026, which required an additional public hearing due to an advertising error, although no changes were made to the ordinance itself. The second item was the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-005, which proposed a non-forgivable loan of $371,178, with a 20% contingency and 3% annual interest, to the Greenwood Community Theatre for structural repairs. Discussion centered on the City acting as a lending institution and setting a precedent, though the support was justified by the Theatre's role in the Uptown Greenwood Emerald Triangle area slated for Capital Projects Sales Tax funds.

The City Council meeting involved several key discussions and actions, including the approval of the consent agenda. Major considerations included the second reading and approval of an ordinance rezoning approximately 1.13 acres at 1010 Coleman Drive from R10 to GC, and the second reading and approval of an ordinance amending the Business License Ordinance as required by Act 176 of 2020. The Council also approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to issue CPW Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes in 2026. Regarding the 2026 budget, the Council approved the levy and adoption of the budget, which balanced at $23,140,275 without a tax increase, funding a deficit primarily caused by a fire engine purchase using the City's Capital Fund. Additionally, the Council approved an ordinance addressing criminal conduct motivated by prejudice. A resolution was passed approving city funds, not to exceed $105,000, for half of the Federal Building roof repairs, pending grant and county contributions. The Council also considered, but decided to resend to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of a lesser zoning, an ordinance related to rezoning commercial property on Cambridge Avenue East. Other actions included postponing a complex rezoning request for 1423 Bypass 25 SE, approving a loan to the Greenwood Community Theatre, and updating the contract for City Attorney and City Prosecutor duties.

The Greenwood City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several ordinances and resolutions. These included amending the city's official zoning map for properties on Chace Avenue, Coleman Drive, and Addison Avenue, as well as amending the Business License Ordinance as required by Act 176 of 2020. The council also considered authorizing the City Manager to issue CPW Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes in 2026 and adopting the budgets for the City of Greenwood in 2026. Additionally, there was discussion on an ordinance addressing criminal conduct motivated by prejudice and a resolution urging the State Legislature to enact a statewide punishment for such conduct. The approval of the 2026 calendar was also on the agenda.

The special meeting included an executive session for the discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body. Following the executive session, a motion was made and passed unanimously to propose a three-year contract extension for the City Manager.

The special meeting included an executive session for discussions on employment matters, such as appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, and to receive legal advice covered by attorney-client privilege. After the executive session, the meeting reconvened and adjourned.