City of Washington swears in new Mayor and council members amid lawsuit

WASHINGTON, N.C. (WITN) - On Wednesday night, the City of Washington swore in its new council, with Ellen Brabo now serving as the city’s mayor, replacing incumbent Donald Sadler.

The swearing in comes amid a pending federal lawsuit filed by Brabo in October against the city and Sadler concerning a 2024 definition of “Bed and Breakfast,” which the filing claimed enforced unconstitutional restrictions that unlawfully limit bed and breakfast operations.

Brabo said that there are no updates at this time regarding that lawsuit.

She says she’s very excited about what’s to come as she steps into the new role.

“I campaigned on open governance, transparency and improved communications coming out of City Hall, and that’s a promise I intend to uphold,” she said.

“It’s definitely a thing of unity coming forward. We are all on the same team, and that team is Team Washington and so I’m excited for us to all be in the same rowboat, rowing together for the betterment of our community.”

Former Mayor Donald Sadler, and councilmembers Lou Hodges, William Pitt, and Richard Brooks said their goodbyes after being awarded with proclamations of appreciation from the city.

“So, I say to the newly elected members, keep in mind that you’re serving 10,000 people in the City of Washington, not your friends, not your family members, and not special interests,” Sadler said. “What’s best for the whole City of Washington. Thank you all for your time, congratulations.”

At this time, the position of City Manager remains vacant since Jonathan Russell resigned. His last day was on December 8.

The police chief position for the city also remains vacant.

Russell’s resignation follows new Councilmember Nick Fritz’s claims that the city is $22 million in debt.

Fritz was nominated as Mayor Pro Tem at the meeting.

Mayor Brabo says when it comes to the vacancies within the city, she says she looks forward to assisting the council in getting those positions filled with qualified candidates who are going to help in move the city forward.

Before adjourning, the board spoke briefly on the possibility of scheduling a special called meeting within the next few weeks.