Mohave County officials take oaths at ceremonial swearing-in

Presiding Judge Moss convened a special meeting of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors on the morning of Epiphany to administer oaths of office to elected and reelected county officials.

The ceremony, which included an invocation by Pastor Griff Vautier and the pledge of allegiance led by Vice Chairman Ron Gould, formally sworn in five county supervisors and multiple countywide officers. "May the judge of the universe grant them the discernment, integrity, and courage to fulfill their duties with excellence and devotion," Pastor Griff Vautier said during the invocation.

Travis Lingenfelter was sworn in as chairman of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. Other supervisors who took or affirmed the oath included Rich Lettman, Sonny Borelli, Don Martin and Ron Gould. Countywide officers sworn included Jeannie Kench (Mohave County Assessor), Brett McKee (staff member, sworn during the same oath sequence), Matt Smith (Mohave County Attorney), Lydia Durst (Mohave County Recorder), Doug Shuster (Sheriff), John Warren (Mohave County School Superintendent) and Sue Ann Mello (Mohave County Treasurer). Each official recited the standard oath to support the constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Arizona and concluded by saying "so help me God."

Judge Moss described the process for the ceremony: officials were called to the podium, administered the oath, then reported to the clerk to sign the oath before a notary. After the last oath, the judge invited officials and attendees to step up for a group photograph of the five supervisors. The judge thanked staff and organizers before adjourning the meeting and noting light refreshments would be available on the second-floor mezzanine.

No formal votes, motions, or policy decisions were part of the ceremonial meeting; the agenda was limited to oath administration and related formalities. The meeting concluded with the judge returning control to Chairman Lingenfelter and adjournment.