Ricky Simon Sworn In As Brownsville Mayor

Ricky Simon takes the Brownsville Mayor oath of office from City Clerk Lori Burnett with wife Janis (center).

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Incoming Brownsville Mayor Ricky Simon took the oath of office tonight, December 23, 2024, in the Edmonson County Courthouse along with city and county officials, friends, and family.

Simon will take office in January after the retirement of Mayor Jerry Meredith, who has served in the role for the last 16 years.

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of the Brownsville City Council: Melinda VanMeter, Jill Vincent (new member), Lloyd Blanton, Justin Meredith, and David Campbell. Councilman Anthony Duvall was sworn in during a prior event due to being out of town.

Ricky Simon takes the Brownsville Mayor oath of office from City Clerk Lori Burnett with wife Janis (center).

Ricky Simon takes the Brownsville Mayor oath of office from City Clerk Lori Burnett with wife Janis (center).

The event was called to order by Brownsville City Clerk Lori Burnett, who welcomed all in attendance. Ricky Simon then began by asking everyone to bow their head as he led with a heartfelt word of prayer.

Mayor Jerry Meredith was then asked to come forward as he was presented a plaque from the City that expressed their gratitude for his years of service to Brownsville. Meredith has also served as fire chief for Brownsville for many years among other roles in the community.

Mayor Jerry Meredith accepts a plaque of appreciation for 16 years of service as Brownsville mayor.

Brownsville City Council members take the oath of office, L-R: Justin Meredith, Lloyd Blanton, David Campbell, Jill Vincent, Melinda VanMeter.

Early 1900s bible used in the ceremony belonging to Ricky's grandfather-in-law, Rev. Kelly Pierce.

Simon then took the oath of office alongside his wife, Janis, as he raised his right hand with his left hand on a family bible. The bible once belonged to the late Rev. Kelly Pierce, who was the grandfather of Janis. The bible appeared to be dated to the early 20th century.

Simon was first appointed to the Brownsville City Council in 2019 by Mayor Meredith to fill the vacant seat left by councilman Jeremy Spainhoward who had moved out of the city limits. Simon then ran for that same seat in 2020 during the regular election and won. He was re-elected in 2022.

He told the Edmonson Voice in an earlier interview that after several residents asked him about running for the vacant seat that would be left by Meredith, he decided to run. He ran unopposed in the 2024 election.

After the swearing-in, he then invited all in attendance to stay and enjoy cake and refreshments as he fellowshipped with the crowd and took his place in several photos.