By John Howell Sr.
Como aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday night to rent a billboard promoting the town to passersby on I-55.

Como Main Street Alliance (CMSA) president Karen Ott Mayer who proposed a joint venture between town government and 17 Main Street merchants and other CMSA supporters. Mayer asked the town to pay for the first year’s rent — $4,200. The second year’s billboard rent will be paid by CMSA, she said.

The proposal was prompted by the experience of Main Street Antiques’ owner Melvin Crockett after he placed, with CMSA assistance, a smaller sign advertising his business on the interstate.
“I can’t tell you how many people came into this town because of that little sign,” Crockett said.
Crockett said that the Mississippi Department of Transportation is forcing him to remove his sign, erected in September without the necessary permit for a federal highway.

Mayer cited MDOT traffic counts that record 24,000 to 27,000 vehicles per day traveling past Como on I-55. The billboard is located on the northbound side.

“Como has no signs on 55, our retail businesses exist on outsiders,” she said.
Alderwoman Ruby Higginbottom made the motion for the town’s support of the sign.
“I love Como; … I would love to see that sign out there,” she said.

The sign also received the vote of Alderman John Walton and Alderwoman Sonya Heard. Alderwoman Rachel Powell had temporarily left the meeting room when the vote was taken. Alderwoman Teresa Dishmon did not attend the meeting.