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Here\u2019s a recap of the Dec. 8 meeting of Greenville City Council.<\/span><\/p>\n Council swore in a new at-large city councilmember and three returning city officials on Monday night.<\/span><\/p>\n Councilmember Tina Belge took over<\/a> the at-large seat left by Russell Stall. Councilmembers Lillian Flemming (District 2) and Wil Brasington (District), along with Public Works Commissioner Debra Sofield, also took the oath of office at the Dec. 8 meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n Councilmembers serve four-year terms, and the public works commissioner serves a six-year term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Council gave final approval to an ordinance establishing an Entertainment District Overlay<\/a> in downtown Greenville, which will go into effect immediately. New special-use exception permits for businesses seeking to operate between midnight and 5 a.m. within the overlay will not be issued. The overlay would also prohibit new encroachment permits for outdoor cafes between midnight and 5 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n The overlay would apply to businesses within the boundaries of College Street and Beattie Place to the north, Richardson Street to the west, North Spring Street to the east and McBee Avenue to the south. Businesses currently operating under existing special exception, conditional use or cafe encroachment permits would not be impacted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The city plans to evaluate the safety, compliance and economic performance of the Entertainment District Overlay in one year. Recommended changes would be presented to the city manager and council by the end of 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n Council approved the final reading of a rezoning application for the <\/span>Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood<\/span><\/a>\u00a0located south of downtown Greenville. The rezoning of the special emphasis neighborhood\u2019s 91.96 acres of land offers more protection to the neighborhood and aims to guide future development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Haynie-Sirrine previously had a Planned Development zoning classification tied to the neighborhood\u2019s former master plan established in 2002. Council approved a new master plan for Haynie-Sirrine in September 2024, which was used by city staff to rezone the neighborhood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The city\u2019s Planning Commission unanimously approved the rezoning application for Haynie-Sirrine Nov. 6.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Council gave final approval to five annexation applications. The largest annexed property, 20.14 acres, includes the historic American Spinning Mill at 31 Victor St. and 300 Hammett St. The property will be rezoned to Industrial Flex District (IX) in the city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The other approved annexations include:<\/span><\/p>\n The city of Greenville continues to be in a healthy financial condition, according to its financial audit for fiscal year 2025. A report of the financial audit was presented by Larry Finney, partner at Greene Finney Cauley LLP, at the meeting on Monday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The audit showed the city had a total general fund balance of $36.3 million as of June 30, 2025. The city took in $133.5 million in revenue, which was $12.6 million better than budgeted. General fund expenditures for FY25 were $120.9 million, which was $5.6 million under budget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Finney announced the city received an unmodified opinion in its FY25 financial audit. This opinion assures the city\u2019s financial statements are materially correct.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Council received an update on the city\u2019s tree planting efforts and a new comprehensive plan that will be developed in 2026. The Urban Forest Comprehensive Plan will outline the city\u2019s long-term urban forest vision, complete an inventory of the city\u2019s urban forest, provide recommendations for the city\u2019s tree ordinance, examine a potential tree endowment fund and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Will Young, director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said the planning process for the comprehensive plan will kick off in January. Stakeholder and public feedback will be collected as part of the planning process. The city selected Cincinnati-based <\/span>Urban Canopy Works<\/span><\/a> to be the consultant for the project.<\/span><\/p>\nAction: Councilmembers and commissioner sworn in<\/b><\/h2>\n
Final approval: Entertainment district overlay<\/b><\/h2>\n
Final approval: Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood rezoning<\/b><\/h2>\n
Approved: Annexation applications<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Presentation: FY25 financial audit<\/b><\/h2>\n
Presentation: Urban Forest Comprehensive Plan<\/b><\/h2>\n
Recognition: Mayor Knox White and Rance Bryan<\/b><\/h2>\n