Blue Ridge officials sworn in; mayor outlines ethics, civility and transparency priorities

Mayor Andy Rhodess and two newly elected council members were formally sworn in at the Blue Ridge City Council's first meeting of the new term, and the council quickly moved to set its leadership and meeting cadence.

Judge Scott Ker administered the oaths and offered brief advice to the new officials, urging them to seek civil resolution while representing residents' perspectives. Andy Rhodess then delivered his first address as mayor, introducing visiting officials and community leaders and describing recent training the council completed on zoning, budget and auditing procedures.

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. And working together is success," Rhodess said, urging the council to prioritize open communication and transparency. He announced a standing monthly workshop to be held on the second Tuesday of each month to provide additional time for staff and the public to review complex items before regular meetings.

The council voted to elect Councilman Bubba Gibbs as mayor pro tem to preside in the mayor's absence. The motion was made, seconded and carried without recorded roll-call tallies. Minutes from December meetings were also approved with one revision that correctly identifies a recent public commenter.

The meeting closed after routine ceremonial items, prayer and the pledge of allegiance. The council then advanced to its business agenda, including ethics and civility measures discussed later in the session.