Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick and council sworn in at first council meeting of 2026

WARNER ROBINS — As the new year begins, Warner Robins city government will keep the same team as last year.

Mayor LaRhonda Patrick was sworn in for her second term on Monday, Jan. 5. She was re-elected in November, winning nearly 80% of the vote against Fabian Velazquez.

Councilmen Derek Mack, Keith Lauritsen, and Clifford Holmes all ran unopposed last year and kept their seats on post one, post three, and post five. They were also sworn in at Monday’s meeting.

Mack thanked the council, city staff, and residents for the chance to serve.

“Thank you for having the confidence in me and allowing me to serve on City Council. It’s such a joy to represent the city, do the business of the city and be a part of this legislative body collectively and collaboratively. I commit myself to continue to serve with each and every one of you to the best of my ability,” he said.

Lauritsen, now starting his fourth term, said he is proud of what the city has accomplished. He thanked the mayor, council, and his family for their support and said he looks forward to what’s ahead.

“Mayor, thank you for serving alongside us, and all my fellow councilmen, thank you so much for supporting me, as I always support you. We’ve got a lot of work to do, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

Holmes, now in his fifth term, also thanked his family and the council. He pointed out the city’s teamwork in getting things done.

“We are united. We’re going to continue to work. We’re going to continue to support our mayor and each other,” he said.

Patrick also thanked her family and supporters. She said she takes her role seriously and started her first term four years ago with a clear vision.

“I came in here with a vision and a goal, and I gained six brothers. We came together as one and we pushed on everything that we said we were going to do. As I stated in my second campaign, ‘promises made, promises kept,’ and I promise to continue doing just that this second term,” she said.

The meeting agenda was short and included an annexation and rezoning, both approved by the council.

Planning and Zoning Manager Darin Curtis said the first annexation was for one acre at 1093 Booth Road. The land was previously in the county but is now part of the city as a multi-family residential property.

Curtis said the developer plans to build two two-story apartment buildings with no more than 16 units.

To view the meeting’s agenda and supporting documents, visit the city’s website.

A full look at the meeting can be found on the city’s Facebook page.

The next Warner Robins City Council Meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4:30 p.m., at Warner Robins City Hall, 700 Watson Boulevard.