In a recent government meeting, Greenwood City Mayor Brandon Smith highlighted the remarkable collaboration between city and county officials in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane resulted in significant damage across Greenwood, including downed trees, flooding, and widespread power outages, prompting a coordinated emergency response.

Mayor Smith emphasized the importance of cooperation among various entities, including state representatives, FEMA consultants, United Way, local churches, and nonprofits like the Red Cross and Team Rubicon. He noted that while other counties faced challenges, Greenwood County's level of collaboration stood out, allowing for effective resource pooling and rapid recovery efforts.

The mayor praised the city and county staff for their adaptability during the crisis, acknowledging that many employees stepped outside their usual roles to assist in emergency operations. He specifically recognized the Department of Social Services for their exceptional support and the efforts of local utility providers in restoring power.

The meeting also addressed the logistical challenges faced during the recovery, including staffing shortages due to prior commitments. Despite these hurdles, the community's response was swift, with roads cleared and essential services restored within days. Mayor Smith expressed gratitude for the leadership displayed by county officials and the dedication of all involved in the recovery efforts.

As the meeting concluded, there was a shared hope that such a monumental undertaking would not be necessary again, but a strong sense of community resilience was evident among the officials present.