Rocky Mount council swears in new members, elects treasurer and mayor pro tem
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Summary
At its Dec. 8 organizational meeting, the Rocky Mount City Council administered oaths to newly elected members, adopted a resolution honoring outgoing Councilman Richard Joyner, elected Tom Harris city treasurer and Jabaris/Javaris Walker mayor pro tem, and recessed for a brief recognition reception.
The Rocky Mount City Council held its organizational meeting Dec. 8, administering oaths of office to newly elected and re-elected council members and filling leadership roles for the coming year. The meeting, called to order at 7 p.m., opened with a prayer led by Councilman Richard Joyner and proceeded after the clerk confirmed a quorum.
District court Judge Alicia M. Slaughter administered the oath to Reuben Blackwell and Charles Robertson, both of whom pledged to ‘‘support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution and laws of North Carolina’’ and to faithfully perform their council duties. The council later read and adopted a resolution recognizing Richard Joyner’s service as Ward 3 representative from June 11, 2018, to Dec. 8, 2025, listing his committee assignments and thanking him for his work.
Councilman Tom Harris was nominated and elected by voice vote to serve as city treasurer for a two-year term ending December 2027. The council also nominated Jabaris (transcript also spells Javaris/Javaras) Walker as mayor pro tem for a one-year term, and Walker recited the oath of office following the vote. The mayor recessed the meeting for 15 minutes to allow outgoing and incoming members to be recognized in the lobby.
The meeting concluded with brief remarks from newly seated Ward 3 Councilman Charles Robinson, who thanked supporters, described plans to focus on Ward 3’s needs and called for community unity as the council addresses the city’s financial challenges. Mayor announced plans for a group photograph before adjournment.
The council set the procedural and leadership framework for the coming year and scheduled follow-up work on committee assignments and appointments.
The council is expected to take up additional substantive items later in the meeting, including zoning and budgetary matters.
