Greer resident alleges minority contractors were excluded from Sports & Events Center work; mayor says minorities are working on the project

At the public‑forum portion of the Greer City Council meeting, resident Jesse Peter Marsh (109 Madison Ave) accused the city’s administration and contractors of unfairly excluding local and minority businesses from work on the Sports & Events Center and demanded that city officials investigate procurement and contracting practices.

Marsh cited the facility’s public price tag—he referred to $60,000,000 in taxpayer funds—and said he had contacted Harper Construction and other firms and found subcontract work going to out‑of‑area contractors. "We are so far over budget that we have to stoop to be shady," Marsh said in his remarks, later adding, "Somebody got their hands in somebody's pocket." He urged the mayor and city manager to act and to ensure local and minority firms receive a fair opportunity to bid.

Mayor Danner responded from the dais, saying that "there are minorities working on that job" and that the city is comfortable with the procurement process as presented to council. Marsh said he will continue researching the contracts and has requested records and media attention.

The record shows no formal staff rebuttal or investigation result during the meeting. Council did not vote on any procurement policy change at this session; Marsh’s remarks were taken as public comment. Staff and councilors acknowledged the concern during later agenda items when bidders and certification for minority ownership were discussed in relation to specific procurement items.

Sources: Public comment by Jesse Peter Marsh; mayoral reply recorded in the council transcript.