McLennan County rural transit board appoints and swears in new directors

The McLennan County Rural Transit District Board of Directors appointed and swore in new members at a meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Chair (referred to in the meeting as the judge) told the board that Place 4 is vacant because Joshua Road no longer serves on the Waco City Council and said the Waco City Council will appoint a replacement on Aug. 4; that appointee will be sworn in at the next district board meeting. The chair announced resolutions to fill other seats and made several direct appointments under the board bylaws.

Under the chair's authority, Jason Blanick was appointed to continue serving in Place 5 after a tie in ballots, and Chris Norris received the majority vote for Place 7. Sherry Adams was appointed to Place 8 in accordance with Article 4, Section 8 of the bylaws following a tie. The chair nominated Ronnie Hurst, a Lacey Lakeview city council member, for the at-large Place 9; another board member seconded the motion and the board approved the nomination by voice vote.

After the votes, the chair asked newly appointed members to stand, raise their right hands and sign affirmation forms. "When I say your name, then you say your name out loud," the chair instructed while administering the oath and asking members to sign their appointment documents. The board completed the formalities and the chair congratulated the new and continuing board members.

Board members were reminded of their central responsibilities: representing their service areas, identifying local transit needs and communicating those needs to staff so the district can respond. The chair emphasized the district's role in connecting residents to medical care, work, school and social activities and encouraged new members to take part in community outreach.

The board also approved routine items during the meeting, including minutes from the prior meeting and administrative reports.