Belmont wins Mississippi PIE Award for innovative street maintenance and cost-sharing efforts
JACKSON, Miss. — The City of Belmont has been awarded the Mississippi Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award by State Auditor Shad White.
The city was recognized for launching Operation Pothole, a program to identify and mark potholes while securing competitive prices for materials and labor. Belmont also created cost-sharing opportunities by subcontracting with neighboring municipalities for regional garbage services, including equipment needs like a new garbage truck.
“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,” White said. “It’s important to highlight when government is working well.”
Belmont’s initiative represents a more systematic approach to street maintenance, extending the lifespan of roads and maximizing resource efficiency. The city’s regional garbage service partnership, through subcontracting with Golden, helped spread equipment costs among multiple municipalities.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” Mayor Brandon Pharr said. “Our goal has been to serve our citizens better, be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and make Belmont a stronger and more efficient city. This award reflects the hard work of our employees and leadership.”
Vice Mayor Ken Dulaney added, “This award shows what can happen when a city is intentional about finding practical solutions to improve services. We are proud of the work in Belmont and pleased to see it recognized at the state level.”
The Mississippi PIE Award celebrates government entities demonstrating 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.
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