Warsaw swears in new mayor, leadership

Boykin demands full accounting of wastewater treatment funds before new budget cycle

WARSAW — Prior to swearing in new leadership, the Warsaw Town Board debated concerns over the ABC Board appointment at its December meeting, with Commissioner Ebony Willis-Wells emphasizing transparency, ethics and public trust in the selection process. While paperwork had been submitted late, she said this alone did not justify removing the item from the consent agenda without discussion.

Willis-Wells emphasized the importance of adhering to North Carolina General Statute. She stressed transparency, proper discussion, and the right of any member to recuse themselves when necessary to ensure public trust and compliance with state law.

“We as a board can do a temporary appointment so that the board can meet properly and then we can come back as well so that the town manager has adequate time to be able to advertise it from a fair standpoint to the entire town body just in case if there is someone else that desires to serve on that board,” said Willis-Wells.

Despite procedural debate, the consent agenda containing the ABC Board appointment and prior meeting minutes was approved by a divided vote. Following the consent agenda, Mayor Wesley Boykin, Willis-Wells, and new Commissioner Cherryl Smith were sworn in, with Commissioner Scotty Smith presenting plaques to outgoing officials Commissioner Al Searles and Mayor A.J. Connors for their service. After taking office, Boykin addressed residents and board members, emphasizing a commitment to building on past successes while addressing lingering issues.

Boykin thanked outgoing Mayor A.J. Connors and Commissioner Al Searles, noting that his goal is not to discredit prior leadership, but to continue and enhance the town’s progress.

“I want to build upon the ideas and successes that this entire board and staff achieved,” Boykin said. “At the same time, I want to address lingering matters in Warsaw that need attention to make the town the best small town in this state.”

He highlighted his personal connection to Warsaw and the drive that brought him home after living in other states, crediting his faith for his return and election.

Boykin detailed his commitment to enforcing all town ordinances and ensuring transparency in government operations. He encouraged board members to review the town charter and code of ordinances and work together to improve existing policies. A major focus of the speech is citizen involvement through the creation of multiple community advisory committees. These committees would provide structured input on administrative oversight, infrastructure and public works, waste and sewage management, community wellness, and community development, including safe and drug-free neighborhoods, beautification, and special events. He stated governance should be done “with” citizens, not “for” them.

Public comment reflected community engagement on collaboration among elected officials, responsible use of public funds, veteran services, youth athletics, and outreach efforts. Departmental updates followed, outlining ongoing programs and services.

Finally, Boykin called for financial transparency, specifically requesting an accounting of funds collected from a prior water bill increase that was promised for wastewater treatment.

“During the last budget cycle, we got on the record that every dime, and the word dime was huge, of the last year’s water bill increase will go to the wastewater treatment plant. So in the next meeting, we need to get a report on how many ‘dimes’ have been collected,” Boykin said.

He stressed accountability over costly audits.

“We asked that question three times,” he said. “The answer came from this board that every dime would be going into that. So we need to get a report. As the budget process begins in January, we need to have a full accounting of where we are. And the only way to get that, outside of that, is a complete forensic audit, which we don’t want to spend money to get that. So we’re going to hold each other accountable. And remember, you’re holding us accountable. And we hold staff accountable.”

The new mayor concluded by emphasizing shared responsibility among officials, staff and citizens, expressing gratitude, and offering well wishes for the holiday season.