Bel Air commissioners unanimously appoint and swear in Kristin Foss to fill Rutledge vacancy

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Dec. 22 unanimously approved Resolution 12 61-25 to appoint Kristin Foss as a commissioner, filling the vacancy created by the October resignation of James B. Rutledge III. The vote followed comments from commissioners praising Foss’s long family ties to Bel Air and her years of local committee service.

Town staff told the board that the Rutledge resignation was accepted effective Oct. 21, 2025, and that, under the Town of Bel Air Charter (Sections 307B and 302), the remaining commissioners are authorized to appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy. The board moved and seconded the resolution and recorded aye votes for Commissioner Chismar, Commissioner Taylor, Commissioner Hanley and Chair Eddington; the resolution was approved.

After the vote, the board administered the oath of office to Foss. In response to the oath administrator’s prompts, Foss repeated portions of the oath, including “I, Kristin Foss...support the Constitution of the United States...to the state of Maryland...and the charter of the town of Bel Air,” and pledged to “execute the office of Commissioner of Bel Air to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice.” She was congratulated by colleagues and family members who attended.

Commissioners said the board interviewed eligible candidates and highlighted Foss’s public service: commissioners referenced her years on local committees, her background as a retired teacher, and family members’ prior town service. Commissioner Taylor said he was “very impressed with Kristen’s enthusiasm” for the town, and Commissioner Chismar noted Foss’s long community involvement. Foss thanked the board and her family and said she looked forward to serving, including participating on the Cultural Arts Commission.

The board noted scheduling items for January: a work session on Jan. 13 at 5:15 p.m. and an invitation for commissioners to a Jan. 7 holiday-related event at Rockfield. As her first official duty, Commissioner Foss moved to adjourn; the board approved the motion and adjourned the meeting.

Resolution number: 12 61-25. Vacancy created by resignation of James B. Rutledge III (resignation effective 10/21/2025). Vote: recorded ayes for Commissioner Chismar, Commissioner Taylor, Commissioner Hanley and Chair Eddington; the resolution passed. The oath of office was administered and the appointment is effective upon swearing-in.