The Athens City Council at its January organizational meeting appointed Debbie Walker as clerk, elected Jessica Thomas as president pro tem and confirmed an acting president pro tem and parliamentarian, while announcing committee rosters for the 2026–2027 term.

Council President McCarrie opened nominations for president pro tem and noted selection criteria including availability, punctuality, decorum and experience. Member Wood nominated Jessica Thomas; Thomas said she would accept and "I will be very happy to fulfill this role." A roll-call vote followed and McCarrie announced Thomas had received a majority and would serve as president pro tem.

Council also filled the acting president pro tem slot after a nomination for Beth (name appears with multiple spellings in the record) and by unanimous consent made that appointment. Law Director Lisa Eliasson was nominated and approved to serve as the council parliamentarian by unanimous voice vote.

President McCarrie read committee assignments for the year: City and Safety Services (chair Paul Isherwood; members Megan Almeida, Alan Swank, Michael Wood); Finance and Personnel (chair Jessica Thomas; members Beth [name variants], John Stazer, Michael Wood); Planning and Development (chair Alan Swank; members Megan Almeida, Paul Isherwood, Jessica Thomas); and Transportation (chair Beth [name variants]; members Michael Wood, John Stazer, Alice White). Council said committee meetings will begin next week in council chambers.

Procedural business at the start of the meeting also included unanimous approval of several sets of minutes and routine motions to affirm appointments to boards and commissions.

The council concluded organizational business and moved on to reports and regular agenda items. The clerk and law director will continue to provide procedural support for upcoming committee work.