Greenville citizens stepped up to help

It was a moment that could tear a community apart. 

A new board of aldermen came in to find their town’s already tight budget in free fall. Bills weren’t paid and scary words like bankruptcy were thrown around. 

Accusations flew between the new aldermen and outgoing city officials.

For the community of Greenville, that has rebuilt itself after devastating floods and a major relocation, it became instead a unifying moment.

When residents found out the $500 they had raised for the July 4th fireworks was more than they had left to fund their police department, donations began coming in. 

Greenville Board of Aldermen reported in the early days: Bob Alsup, $8,000; anonymous resident, $2,000; Mack Lawrence and Bobby White, computer and office equipment, paid bills; Sharon Bowman, paid city debt of $486; Jeff Ganime, paid city debt of $500; Frank Henderson, mowed city park; Penny Johnson, donated time; Monty Twidwell and Tara Looney, purchased computer accounting programs for city; Steve Marler, brush hogged city property. Other contributions of time were also have been received from: Larry Burchard, Rendell Wills, Mike Montgomery, Darrell Libla, Duane Eads and Mike Henson.

Many more offers of time and aid would follow.

The list might not have been longer than the unpaid bills that had accumulated, but it certainly made a powerful statement about the resiliency of the approximately 500 residents. 

They wanted answers, but they were also willing to be part of the solution.

The state auditor’s office recently released an accounting of the changes they have recommended to ensure Greenville has a more secure financial future. 

Not all of the boxes have been checked, but progress has been made since 2016, when hope was at its lowest point. Costs have been reduced and officials said recently their footing is solid once again.

The Missouri Attorney General’s office is currently pursuing charges against former city clerk Pamela Birmingham, who is accused of felony receiving stolen property and forgery. She goes back to court in August.

The state estimates more than $150,000 was misappropriated over a short period of time.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this community. 

The importance of government oversight is certainly among those, both from the elected officials, but also from residents. There is a need for all of us to be active and involved in our community, and to speak up when we see questionable activity.

But we also want to recognize the hard work that went into correcting this problem so quickly.

A lot of sacrifices were made to keep the city operating at a critical time. People stepped up and showed up. 

It’s an example we should all keep in mind the next time problems or concerns come up in our own communities.