Former Riceboro city council member Chris Stacy was recently appointed as the new city Mayor. On Tuesday Dec. 29, at 3 p.m. Stacy was sworn in on the steps of the Liberty County Courthouse to fulfill the remaining two-year term of the late Riceboro Mayor, Joe Harris. The former Mayor died unexpectedly in September from complications related to Covid-19. Stacy will serve until elections are held in 2024.

Stacy served on the city council for 12 years.

With his two daughters, Christan Hayes and Shante Clesca, at his side Stacy was read his oath of office by Liberty County Probate Court Judge Nancy Aspinwall. Afterwards he addressed his supporters.

“I’m not taking this appointment lightly,” Stacy said. “I am going to serve Riceboro with my whole heart. I’m looking forward to working with the city council, city staff, the church leaders, community leaders and all of the residents and local businesses.

Stacy said he wanted to ensure a smooth transition and was going to work on a 100-day plan and develop a five-year strategy so the city could move forward.

“I think a great choice has been made,” city attorney John Pirkle said. “I think you’ll make a great Mayor.”

Stacy thanked the city council and city staff who attended the ceremony. He thanked the dignitaries and officials from the County Commission and said he looked forward to working and collaborating with them on future projects.

Stacy said he will work with city council to make sure they have all the resources and information they need to either approve or oppose plans and proposals.

“I am a servant and whatever they need me to do as a Mayor I have to provide that information for them,” he said.

He said his first priority is to unify the council members and community.

Harris’s term wasn’t without controversy as many in the community had demanded he be recalled during a city council meeting in September. Harris had been accused of firing the city clerk without authority, as well as using a city vehicle for his personal use and removing the photos of previous mayors from city hall.

Stacy said he’d also like to get with the council to review the city charter and make sure new policies and protocols are put in place as needed.