Matherne takes Mayor’s seat

Brownsville City Judge Jim Haywood performed the swearing-in ceremony for newly-elected Mayor Jo Matherne (right). Holding the Bible for her was her sister, Jean Avery.

 
Re-elected Ward 2 Alderman Carolyn Flagg recited the oath of office, administered by newly sworn-in Mayor Jo Matherne, at the Brownsville board meeting on July 13. Flagg was also elected by her fellow aldermen to serve as vice mayor.

Tom Averyheart, elected to serve as Brownsville Alderman for Ward 4, was sworn in July 13 by Mayor Jo Matherne.

Former Brownsville Mayor Webb Banks took his seat at 5:30 p.m. sharp on July 14, 2010, and brought down the gavel bringing the board meeting to order as he has done for so many years.

However, last night was a different setting. The meeting marked the end of the Brownsville Mayor Webb Banks era, that was responsible for much growth and prosperity during his 16-year tenure as mayor.

Banks’ final words were brief and to the point as he thanked his staff for 16 years of loyal services to the office of mayor and the cit, and he also extended best wishes to the new administration. With a simple goodbye to the crowded courtroom he made his brief exit out the side door.

The closing of one door opened yet another door, and the Jo Matherne era as city mayor made its debut with more than a hundred spectators packed in the small city courtroom with a standing-room-only crowd.

The new mayor was given the oath of office by local attorney and City Judge Jim Haywood.

Mayor Jo Matherne’s first order of business was to administer the oath of office to returning alderman Carolyn Flagg of the Ward 2 and newly-elected Alderman Reverend Tom Averyheart of the Ward 4. Others sworn in by Mayor Matherne were City Judge Jim Haywood, City Attorney Michael Banks, Police Chief Chris Lea, Fire Chief Mark Foster, and Public Works Director Bobby Mayer.

Alderman Carolyn Flagg was elected Vice Mayor, filling the seat vacated by former Ward Four Alderman Joe Taylor who chose not to seek re-election.

After the swearing in ceremonies, Mayor Jo Matherne took her place at the podium.

“I am humbled and honored to be standing here among friends and supporters,” said Matherne. “We’ll continue to grow and prosper with your support.”

The agenda was routine with the mayoral change taking most of the spotlight. Even the presentation of the first reading of the proposed budget for 2010-2011 didn't take away the excitement of the evening.

The proposed budget, presented by Mayor Matherne, will be set at $12,299,211. The good news is that the tax rate of $1.60 will remain the same with no tax increase. The proposed budget is $937,022 less than the 2009-2010 budget. She stated that departments were asked to cut their budget figures by 8 percent, but the good news was that city workers will be extended a normal cost of living increase.

However, Matherne presented a downside that could create challenges for the city down the road. Several city properties will be taken off the tax roll, including the property where the former Walmart was housed. This will be used as the Criminal Justice Center. Also the purchase of the property to be used as an industrial park will come off the roll, as well as the MTD property.

The second reading for the 2010-2011 budget will be presented at the next city board meeting, scheduled for August 10 in city hall at 5:30 p.m.

New alderman Tom Averyheart brought a ring of laughter to the courtroom with a closing comment. “I am looking forward to working with Mayor Jo Matherne and Vice Mayor Carolyn Flagg,” he said. “The city is now being run by two women.” The remarks brought a response from someone in the audience, who said, “It’s about time.”

Shortly thereafter, the meeting adjourned until August 10. Mayor Matherne said she didn't sense the need for a called meeting at this time.