On the morning of December 20, 2025, the City of Knoxville welcomed a refreshed City Council as Knoxville Municipal Judge Tyler Caviness administered the oaths of office to five newly elected members during the installation ceremony.
The new council members are:
• Nathan Honeycutt – District 2
• Matthew DeBardelaben – District 4
They join the continuing members of the council:
• Charles Thomas – District 5
• Lynne Fugate – At-Large
• Debbie Helsley – At-Large
• Amelia Parker – At-Large
Following the ceremony, a special council meeting was convened. In a 7-0-1 vote, Council Member Lynne Fugate—who was absent due to a previously scheduled family obligation—was elected as Vice Mayor, with Amelia Parker abstaining.
Additional leadership roles were assigned during the meeting:
• Debbie Helsley was elected Chair of the Beer Board.
• Matthew DeBardelaben was selected as the Council’s representative to the Knox Transit Authority (KTA) Board.
The event concluded on a warm note, with an abundance of brunch offerings available. Attendees mingled and conversed while enjoying the food, fostering a sense of community as the new council term begins
