Spartanburg City Council Organizational Meeting and Oath of Office Ceremony - January 12, 2026

This was a duly noticed public meeting of the Spartanburg City Council, convened on January 12, 2026. The meeting focused primarily on the swearing-in ceremony for the mayor and two council members for new terms, the election of a new Mayor Pro Tempore, and consideration of routine agenda items. Public comment periods addressed public safety concerns and neighborhood quality-of-life issues. The council also recognized a retiring employee and honored a local community service organization.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the December 15, 2025 City Council meeting (voice vote, all in favor).
• Approved the agenda for the January 12, 2026 meeting (voice vote, all in favor).
• Approved the consent agenda including an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents to transfer city-owned property to Spartanburg County for the construction of a joint government center (voice vote, all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Juliette Wright (District resident) – Described a terrifying incident on the Birchwood Trail on January 11, 2026, where she was confronted by two men, one carrying a six-foot branch and wearing a full ski mask, who appeared to be executing a coordinated attack. She escaped with her dog and warned other pedestrians. She reported the incident to the police, who she said were taking it seriously.
• Alancio Wright (mother of Juliette Wright) – Argued that a visible police presence is essential to prevent crimes like the one on the Birchwood Trail. She stated that Spartanburg's police force is "rapidly dwindling" relative to population growth of approximately 40,000 new residents over the past four years. She expressed that a $4,000 officer salary raise in 2022 had not had the desired effect and called for a much larger incentive (suggesting $14,000) and increased police presence across all city parks and recreational trails.
• Edward Jenkins (District resident, 25-year resident, volunteer with school system and athletic programs) – Complained about a neighbor who he alleges runs an unpermitted tree service business from his property, causing excessive noise, changing equipment, and on December 21, 2025, driving across Mr. Jenkins' yard and leaving a deep rut. He called police on January 21, 2025 at 12:46 PM (unit Alpha 66 responded but no report was made). He expressed frustration that city staff had not resolved the issue despite photos he has provided.

Discussion Items

• Swearing-in of Mayor and Council Members – The ceremony included the administration of oaths of office: Mayor Jerome Rice Jr. (administered by his son Jerome Rice III, assisted by Dr. Shea Rice, Javarz Rice, Lee Carwell, and Jamario Pigney); Councilman Jamie Fulmer (District 4, administered by McLean Fulmer, Catherine Fulmer, and Dr. Sid Fulmer); and Councilwoman Janie Salley (District 6, administered by Roland Lamont Salley and Dr. Sarah Simmons). Councilwoman Erica Brown was absent due to recent surgery and will be sworn in later.
• Mayor Rice's Remarks – He stated his platform priorities remain public education, public health, and public safety. He announced the creation of a children's cabinet, collaboration with SPACE (Spartanburg Academic Movement) and Dr. Booker, and referenced new development opportunities (baseball team downtown, city-county joint complex, Northside development, Dr. TK Gregg, C.C. Woodson, walking trails). He described measuring success by being known as the "ever-present mayor" and by being recognized by a young boy at a Family Dollar as "the mayor."
• Councilman Fulmer's Remarks – Thanked supporters and voters, reiterated his commitment to collaboration over division, and emphasized that results—not noise—drive positive change in Spartanburg.
• Councilwoman Salley's Remarks – Expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her, noting she will focus on the surrounding areas beyond downtown and will "be plugging at you, digging into you, and requesting of you" for the next four years.
• Election of Mayor Pro Tempore – Council member Ruth Littlejohn was nominated and elected by voice vote (all in favor).
• Recognition of Retiree – Frank Wilson, engineer and inspector for the city for over 27 years, was recognized with an Outstanding Service Award. He served in multiple roles (building inspector, engineering, public works, reserve police officer) and was praised for his ability to communicate with contractors and mentor colleagues.
• Proclamation – The council declared January 12, 2026 as "Spartanburg Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Day" in recognition of 64 years of local service and the organization's five-point programmatic thrust (educational development, international awareness, physical/mental health, economic development, political awareness). A representative accepted the proclamation on behalf of the chapter.
• Resolution – Development Agreement with Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union – City Manager Story presented a resolution authorizing him to enter into a development agreement with Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union. Key elements: relocation of approximately 20 well-compensated white-collar jobs to Spartanburg; investment of about $6 million in facilities (one on John B. White Boulevard, a new building on North Church Street, subject to Design Review Board approval); designation as the first community development financial institution (CDFI) headquartered in Spartanburg, serving underserved communities and low-income individuals. The credit union has a track record of partnering in the Northside Development Group and Power Up Initiative.

Key Outcomes

• Oaths of Office Administered – Mayor Jerome Rice Jr., Councilman Jamie Fulmer, and Councilwoman Janie Salley were sworn in for new terms.
• Mayor Pro Tempore Elected – Council member Ruth Littlejohn was elected Mayor Pro Tempore for 2026 (voice vote, all in favor).
• Minutes Approved – Minutes of the December 15, 2025 City Council meeting approved (voice vote, all in favor).
• Agenda Approved – The January 12, 2026 agenda approved (voice vote, all in favor).
• Consent Agenda Approved – The consent agenda, including the ordinance for the joint government center property transfer, was approved (voice vote, all in favor).
• Resolution Authorized – The resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a development agreement with Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union was approved (voice vote, all in favor).
• Proclamation Issued – Proclamation declaring January 12, 2026 as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Day was presented.
• Retiree Recognized – Frank Wilson was presented with an Outstanding Service Award.
• Public Comments Noted – Staff was directed to follow up with Mr. Jenkins on his neighbor complaint; public safety concerns raised by the Wrights were acknowledged.