Published: July 02, 2009 08:48 pm      

Ready To Serve

Barry’s first council meeting is Tuesday

Before the backdrop of a gigantic American flag, Mayor-elect Cheri Barry and five city council-members were sworn into office at downtown Meridian's Temple Theater Tuesday.

Barry, who will officially take office July 7, spoke a message of unity and optimism to the cheerful crowd in the theater.

"This is the time that your Queen City calls," she said. "She calls for you to take her into the 21st century. She calls for your energy and your leadership. It is your task to answer. And my job is to be there beside you."

Barry, who will be Meridian's first female mayor, also called upon the city council and the county board of supervisors to work for a united and effective government. She said, with the council, she hopes to bring Meridian into a "new era of cultural and economic progress."

Barry said the things that are most important to improve upon in the here and now are Meridian's culture and quality of education.

Immediately upon entering office, Barry said in an interview, her first task will be to "learn my staff and to do the best things for this city."

Barry said she has had a briefing on the city budget from Chief Financial Officer Ed Skipper, but that she still has a lot of research to do before the city enters its budgeting process later this year.

"The current administration has been working tirelessly on the budget, and as I step in we will also be working hard on the budget... We will review each department and look at not duplicating services and cut out things that are not needed to run city government."

Barry's main budgetary priority, she said, will be making sure that all Meridianites are provided with basic services.

All five city council members, both incumbents and returning councilman Bobby Smith, were sworn in at the same ceremony.

Many of the incumbent council members talked about the importance of family and, like Barry, expressed a wish for unity in government and participation by the community.

Smith, who is returning after one term out of office, expressed his willingness to work with all of his constituents.

"Those who supported me and those who did not support me, all you have to do is call me, I will do my best," he said.

The first city council meeting with the new council and the new mayor will take place on Tuesday, July 7, at 9 a.m. in the Meridian Police Station court room.