Joe Jordan sworn in as Belmont mayor; council names Mark mayor pro tem and honors outgoing members

Belmont — Joe Jordan was sworn in as mayor at the Belmont City Council’s Dec. 1 organizational meeting, and the council appointed Mark as mayor pro tem during a night of formal oaths and recognitions.

Judge Davis and Register of Deeds Jonathan Fletcher administered the oath to Joe Jordan as family and council members looked on. Jordan repeated the oath: "I, Joe Jordan, do solemnly swear..." and later offered remarks thanking residents and staff. The council then recognized outgoing Councilwoman Katherine Lewis, presented a plaque, and invited her to speak; Lewis thanked the community and reflected on her two years serving the seat.

Council members paused to remember the late Mayor Richard Turner; multiple members recounted Turner's leadership and contributions to the city. Outgoing acting mayor Jim reflected on his 18 months in the mayoral role following Turner’s passing and offered remarks of gratitude for staff and colleagues.

Later in the organizational session, the council followed rules of procedure to nominate and vote for a mayor pro tem. Jason nominated Mark, the motion was seconded, and council members approved Mark as mayor pro tem; Mark subsequently took the oath for that office. Council members also accepted committee and advisory board assignments for 2026 and adopted the 2026 regular meeting dates and workshop start time with an approved modification to the resolution.

The organizational meeting combined ceremonial duties with routine procedural actions; the council adjourned after covering committee appointments, schedule adoption and other business.