MOUNDS, IL (WSIL) - The city of Mounds is celebrating entering into a partnership with a local bank. It's one their mayor believes will benefit everyone.
City officials and Legence Bank held a ribbon-tying ceremony, transferring the property ownership of the building the bank used to be in, to the city.
“It will be a home for our new city hall as well as for community events in the city,� said Mounds mayor Rodney Woods.
Saturday's event is what Woods describes as a “wonderful partnership� with Legence Bank. After closing the Mounds Branch, Legence, not wanting the property to be a blight on the community, elected to give the building to the city of Mounds, and Mayor Woods is happy to see the building being used to better serve the people of his town
“It’s A shot in the arm,� Woods said. “There are many dilapidated buildings in this area in Mounds, which we hope to clean up too as well. But to have this one as a center of attraction is huge and we're proud to be a part of it.�
Deb Barnett, the executive director for ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois Now, was one of several dignitaries at the event. She says, what's good for Mounds and Pulaski County is good for the entire ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois region.
“We’ve all seen this kind of renewed sense of optimism and support and collaboration,â€� Barnett explained. “And so to see so many people come out to support this event today and Legions Bank and their community support is just a win for all of ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois.â€�
Mayor Woods goes on to say one of the best parts about the building is that with a few minor renovations, they'll be able to be up and running in no time. The event also serves as part of the town's Juneteenth celebration. Something Mayor Woods says shouldn't be underestimated.
“I think it's an excellent representation that we have a coming together of ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois communities, a coming together of individuals that have a common goal, and that common goal is to promote ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois to promote it as a region that is welcoming for all,â€� said the mayor.
Mayor Woods tells me that the city is hoping that the building will be open for official business sometime in July or August.
