Richmond commissioners approve multiple hires, contract awards and appointments; entertain first reading to expand downtown beverage district

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners voted to approve a bundle of personnel moves, contract awards and appointments at its Aug. 26 meeting, and held a first reading of an ordinance to permanently expand hours for the downtown entertainment district.

Mayor Rob Blythe and commissioners voted unanimously to hire Chris Johnson as city attorney and ABC administrator, accept the retirement of fire department employee Brooks Elder effective Aug. 31, 2025, hire two probationary firefighters and approve multiple capital project contracts, including playground work at the Richmond Regional Sports Complex and a street-paving contract funded from the municipal road aid fund.

The city read Ordinance 25-21 for the first time, a proposal to make the downtown entertainment district a permanent, activated zone from Thursday at 11 a.m. through Sunday at 1 a.m. The ordinance would also move responsibility for approving alcohol-related permits in the district from the city manager to the city attorney as the ABC administrator; commissioners moved and seconded the measure for discussion but did not adopt it at this meeting.

City attorney hire: The board approved Order 25-126 to hire Chris Johnson as city attorney and ABC administrator, effective Sept. 2, 2025. Commissioner Newby moved the measure and Commissioner Goble seconded. Johnson addressed the…