City terminates contract with lobbyist

GREENVILLE — The City of Greenville’s contract with its Washington lobbyist ends this year and will not be renewed.

The Delta Democrat Times reports the city council voted 4-2 to end its contract with Steve Pruitt. Pruitt, who was paid $30,000 a year, had lobbied for the city since 2005.

City Clerk Amelia Wicks says grants totaled $2.4 million in 2005; $7.3 million in 2006; $5 million in 2007; $3.8 million in 2008; $2.1 million in 2009; and, $5.4 million in 2010.

Councilwoman Carolyn Weathers says assurances from Republican Sen. Roger Wicker’s office was enough to convince her that Pruitt’s services were no longer needed.

Councilwoman Betty Watkins, who voted against ending the contract, says the city benefited from Pruitt’s lobbying.