GREENVILLE, Miss.–The Greenville City Council voted to essentially fire the entire Parks Commission at Tuesday’s meeting after the Commission’s decision to rehire Corey Holmes as Parks director. Holmes was let go after a financial fiasco in 2022 that resulted in the city’s liability for costs during a failed Juneteenth celebration.
The decision had several components: it was first a vote of no confidence in the Commission. Second, it was for a removal of all commissioners. Third, the council ordered the hiring of Holmes to be rescinded.
“In its findings of fact, the Council found that the Park Commission has violated the Open Meetings Act by conducting two meetings to interview candidates without proper public notice. These meetings lacked minutes, as no one was present to take notes. In a third delayed meeting to meet Open Meetings Act, a note-taker, was excused during another unlawful executive session, during which the commissioners voted to re-hire a previous Parks Director,” said the city in a prepared statement Wednesday morning.
“The Council found that the Park Commission’s repeated defiance of the Open Meetings Act and its continued disregard for legal advice highlight a pattern of incompetence that endangers the City’s welfare.”
After the celebration the city was liable for money that was not paid to vendors, including artists hired to perform and the sound technician.
All commissioners served on a voluntary basis. The council could reappoint them, should they reapply.
