Ward 5 councilwoman offers farewell as new members and mayor return welcomed
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Summary
At a Meridian City Council meeting, a departing Ward 5 councilwoman gave a farewell address after a mayoral run; newly elected Councilmember Dustin Hill and other returning councilmembers offered brief remarks of gratitude and commitment to transparency and community engagement.
Councilwoman Lynn gave a farewell address to the Meridian City Council after running for mayor and said she stepped away from her Ward 5 seat "out of love for this city, for progress, and for purpose." She told the council she had "given Ward 5 my best" and said she would remain available to former colleagues.
The remarks came during council comments at a meeting where members acknowledged recent elections and the return of Percy Bland to the mayor's office. "To Mayor Percy Bland, congratulations on your return to the helm of this city," Councilwoman Lynn said, adding, "If you ever need me, I am a phone call away to my former council members."
Councilmember Dustin Hill, identified in the meeting as the newly elected representative of Ward 5, thanked residents and said he was "extremely grateful for the opportunity" to serve. He said he looked across the dais and saw "diversity and honesty and leadership," and that he and four other councilmembers were ready to serve the city.
Other councilmembers offered short remarks. "Thank you, Ward 3, for giving me the opportunity to serve you," Councilmember Johnson said. A councilmember representing Ward 2 thanked constituents for returning them to the seat for a third consecutive term and emphasized transparency and accountability: "Your tax dollars pay us. We serve you." A Ward 1 councilmember said they look forward to "building a better Meridian over the next 4 years" and urged residents to remain engaged at council meetings.
Speakers also noted local developments and community highlights: a July 28 expected start for an alleyway project between Weidman's and East Mississippi Business Development, a two‑year recognition for 3 Foot Brewery as Mississippi's best brewery and distillery, and a display honoring Dr. George Thomas's 40 years of service.
The remarks were primarily ceremonial and informational; no formal policy actions or votes were taken as part of the farewell and council comments.
The meeting then moved on to other agenda items, including a motion to enter an executive session to discuss economic development personnel and salaries.