Auditor White names Belmont PIE Award winner
JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White honored the City of Belmont with the Mississippi Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award for initiatives that saved taxpayer dollars and improved services.
Belmont won the award after launching Operation Pothole, a strategic effort to identify and mark potholes while securing competitive pricing for materials and labor. City officials said the program replaces scattered spot repairs with a more systematic approach to street maintenance intended to maximize resources and extend the lifespan of roads.
The city also created a cost-sharing arrangement for regional garbage services by subcontracting with the nearby municipality of Golden to spread the cost of equipment needs, including a new garbage truck, officials said.
“We launched the PIE Awards to honor public servants who think outside the box and find new ways to save taxpayers money and that’s exactly what the City of Belmont is doing for their citizens,” State Auditor Shad White said. “So often the job of the auditor is to find wrongdoing, but I think it’s equally important to highlight when government is working well.”
Mayor Brandon Pharr said the award reflects local efforts to serve citizens better and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. “This award is a reflection of the hard work of our employees, leadership, and everyone committed to moving Belmont forward,” he said. Vice Mayor Ken Dulaney added that the award shows the results of intentional, practical solutions to improve services.
The Mississippi PIE Award recognizes government entities that demonstrate innovation through cost savings, waste reduction and improved public services. Questions about the program or application process can be emailed to PIE@osa.ms.gov or directed to Kelley Ryan.
