Mayor and Council confirm 2025 leadership and key city appointments

The Mayor and Council met Jan. 13, 2025, and confirmed a slate of organizational appointments for the year. Tommy Beeland was appointed mayor pro‑tem; the motion by Councilmember Danny Peed, seconded by Hiram Couch, was recorded as passing with votes in favor from Mayor Fred Waller, Brandon Hunter and Hannah Sloan. The appointment took effect immediately.

The council also confirmed Sissy McLaughlin as city clerk after a motion by Danny Peed and a second from Hiram Couch. The minutes record Mayor Fred Waller, Hannah Sloan, Tommy Beeland and Brandon Hunter voting in favor.

Other confirmations included Sam McCrary as fire chief and Judge Wayne Jernigan Sr. as judge for 2025; both motions were made by Danny Peed, seconded by Hiram Couch, and recorded as passing with the listed council votes. The council appointed Mauldin and Jenkins as the city auditors for 2025 and Mid Ga Law, LLC (Brian Causey) as city attorney under a separate motion that likewise passed.

Mayor Waller announced committee assignments for councilmembers, naming Danny Peed and Brandon Hunter to Finance; Timishea Price and Hannah Sloan to Property; and Tommy Beeland and Hiram Couch to Police. The council also approved an Election Superintendent appointment: Danny Peed moved to appoint Sissy McLaughlin as election superintendent with Tammy Jones as backup; Hiram Couch seconded and the motion passed by recorded vote.

The appointments were presented as routine organizational items and were approved by recorded council votes in open session. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.