BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — The City of Warfield’s elected officials were sworn in Thursday before the city’s monthly meeting.

Mayor Mike Hinkle and Commissioners Davey Bell, David Bell, Crystal Bell and John Sammons took the oath of office.

Hinkle, a former city commissioner, was unopposed in the mayoral race in November. He replaces longtime Mayor Ronald Workman, who moved to the county political scene and was elected Martin County District 5 magistrate.

Davey Bell II, Crystal Bell and Sammons were reelected in November, while David Bell fills the vacant seat left by Hinkle.

The commissioners voted to give city employees a raise to $10 an hour and increase their hours from 24 to 32 per week.

Commissioners announced plans to order an under-tailgate salt spreader and replace the bed on its truck.

“The old salt spreader leaked salt into the bed, and it really needs to be replaced,” Warfield clerk Rhonda Price said.

The city is awaiting estimates for replacing a heating and cooling unit.

The commission also decided to remove the steps from the caboose and take down the pergola at the park across the street from city hall.

“The steps are getting to be unsafe,” said Price. “And the pergola is becoming unsafe. It’s starting to wobble a little, and we’re afraid it will fall.”