FANNIN, Ga. — The newly elected members of the Blue Ridge City Council were sworn in during a meeting on Jan. 18. Each member and the Mayor took the oath of office before beginning the meeting. The new council also appointed several city employees and board members during the meeting. 

Rhonda Haight took her oath of office and was sworn in as Mayor of the City of Blue Ridge. 

Angie Arp took her oath of office and was later appointed mayor pro tempore. 

Council members Jack Taylor, Bill Bivins, Christy Kay, and Bill Whaley also took their oath of office during the meeting. 

Bill Whaley

Jack Taylor

Christy Kay

Bill Bivins

The new city council approved the appointments of several city employees: 

• City Attorney Charles S. Conerly 
• City Clerk Amy Mintz 
• Police Chief Johnny Scearce 
• City Treasurer Michael Richardson 
• Municipal Court Judge Robert Sneed
• Levy Officer Chris Mortimer 
• Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Hudson

The council appointed Andy Bowen to the Blue Ridge Downtown Development Authority, and Mayor Haight also appointed Laura Ray to the DDA. Additionally, the council appointed Angie Arp to the Downtown Development Authority. At Arp’s request, Councilmember Kay will replace her after one year. To fill Arp’s seat on the Planning and Zoning Commision, the council appointed Brian Higgins.