The Buckeye City Council held a celebratory meeting Tuesday evening to swear in new members and honor outgoing officials, marking the start of a new chapter for the city amid rapid growth and development.
The meeting began with an invocation emphasizing wisdom and prosperity, followed by a spirited performance from the Buckeye Union High School marching band. Newly elected council members Jamaine Berry (District 2) and Curtis Beard (District 3) took their oaths of office, alongside re-elected District 1 Councilman Tony Youngker and Mayor Eric Orsborn.
Councilwoman Michelle Hess, who lost re-election after 13 years representing District 3, reflected on her tenure in an emotional farewell. “Every decision I’ve made, I’ve tried to do so with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence,” Hess said. “This work is never finished — it’s a forever business.”
Mayor Orsborn praised both Hess and Outgoing Councilwoman Jeanine Guy's (District 2) contributions. “You’ve been a champion for this city, preserving its unique heritage and guiding us through significant growth,” Orsborn said.
In his remarks, Orsborn highlighted Buckeye’s transformation from a small farming town into one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. “Our population has grown from 6,500 in 2000 to 120,000 today, and we’re projected to reach 300,000 by 2040,” Orsborn said. “This growth brings incredible opportunities for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, ensuring our residents can live, work, and thrive here.”
Newly elected District 2 Councilman Jermaine Berry expressed gratitude for his supporters and optimism for the future. “I look forward to doing the best job I can for the city of Buckeye,” Berry said. “If you see something that needs to be done, do it—don’t wait for someone to ask.”
Curtis Beard, representing District 3, shared a similar commitment. “Born and raised here, I felt it was something I needed to do for my city,” Beard said. “Here’s to the next four years — we’ll see what happens.”
Craig Heustis was unanimously appointed as vice mayor for a one-year term.
The meeting concluded with Mayor Orsborn’s acknowledgment of the city’s challenges and opportunities.
“Managing and shaping this growth into what we want it to be for the future is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “We’re making decisions not just for today but for the next 50 years.”
