The Hiram City Council used its Jan. 8 organizational meeting to swear in newly elected members, appoint several legal officers and authorize the new mayor pro tem to sign financial paperwork for the city.

The presiding official read the oath of office for new council members, naming Melissa Bayardell, Derek Battle and Darnette Morris; at least one new member responded “I do.” The council then moved through a series of appointments: Robert Tressel was nominated and confirmed as mayor pro tem; Victoria Aronnell was appointed prosecuting attorney for a one-year term at $400 per court session; Courtney Brubaker was appointed conflict prosecutor for one year at $400 per session; and Linda Caldwell was appointed as the city’s indigent defense attorney at $200 per session. Several motions were made, seconded and put to voice votes; the meeting record shows no recorded opposition to these motions.

Council members also voted to adopt two administrative resolutions, Resolution 2026-01 and Resolution 2026-02, authorizing the new mayor pro tem to sign paperwork for the Georgia Fund 1 water account and the Georgia Fund 1 general funds account, respectively, and separately authorized the mayor pro tem to sign banking materials on the city’s behalf. The oath language read at the meeting referenced the constitutions of the United States and Georgia and the city charter when affirming qualifications to hold office.

Quotes and attributions in the meeting transcript are limited; the presiding official thanked the newly sworn officials and stated, “Thank you all very much for your service.” The meeting record did not include roll-call vote tallies for these motions; votes were taken by voice.

Next steps: these appointments take effect as stated at the meeting; no additional public hearings or council actions on these appointments were recorded during the session.