Blythewood certifies election results, swears in new council member and elects mayor pro tem

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — At its Nov. 24 meeting, the Blythewood Town Council received the municipal election certification from the Board of Voter Registration and Elections, had the oath administered to Councilwoman Hovis, and elected Councilwoman Fripp as mayor pro tem by unanimous consent.

Election certification and oath: Interim Town Manager Mr. Driggers presented the general-election certification and asked the council to receive the results into the official town record; the council approved the motion by voice vote. The mayor invited Judge Deidre W. Hightower to administer the oath to newly elected Councilwoman Hovis; the standard oath was recited and Hovis delivered brief remarks thanking supporters and noting readiness to serve.

Change in governance form noted: Counsel noted the Secretary of State’s office had issued an amended certificate of incorporation reflecting the town’s change to a council–manager form of government, a structural change the manager said should make leadership more efficient.

Mayoral pro tem election: The council then opened nominations for mayor pro tem. After nominations, Councilwoman Fripp accepted the nomination and the council approved her as mayor pro tem by unanimous consent.

Meeting calendar discussion: Staff presented a proposed 2026 meeting calendar (traditionally the fourth Monday of each month). Counsel advised the current town ordinance states meetings on the last Monday of each month; staff will prepare ordinance language (first reading) to move meetings to the fourth Monday and bring that for the Dec. 15 meeting.

Why it matters: Receiving election results and swearing in a newly elected member are formal steps that make the results an official part of town records. Electing a mayor pro tem and clarifying meeting-calendar language are part of governing logistics as the town implements a council–manager system.

Transcript provenance: Certification and oath are recorded in the meeting packet discussion and during the oath administration; mayor pro tem nomination and unanimous consent election are recorded under new business later in the meeting.