Photo gallery: Brenda Hughes’ final day on the City Council, Crystal Smith joins the dais

The Kerrville City Council opened Monday with a special-called ceremony marking the end of Brenda Hughes’ six-year tenure on the council and the swearing-in of three newly elected and re-elected members. Hughes, who served three terms representing Place 4 and most recently as Mayor Pro Tem, delivered an emotional farewell address centered on the people she served — small business owners, families and first responders — and reflected on the crises the council navigated together, from COVID-19 and winter freezes to last year’s devastating floods. Former Councilmember Kim Clarkson praised her service, and Mayor Joe Herring Jr. presented Hughes with a resolution of commendation and announced that a commemorative bench will be placed along the river in her honor. Judge Patrick Maguire then administered oaths of office to Herring, who is beginning his third term as mayor; Councilmember Kent McKinney, returning for a second term in Place 3; and Crystal Smith, who takes Hughes’ Place 4 seat. The council subsequently appointed Councilmember Jeff Harris, now the body’s most senior member, as the new Mayor Pro Tem.