CITY HALL—In a special called meeting Wednesday night, the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Michael Barnett to the seat vacated by Steve Davis last week. Barnett was sworn into office by Mayor Bruce Fraley during a ceremony in the mayor's office on Thursday morning. Member of Barnett's family attended, as did Councilman Jerry Little, who nominated Barnett for the position.

Barnett owns Barnett Heating and Cooling, based in Berea, serving Central Kentucky. Effective immediately, Barnett will resign from his seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Before the vote on Wednesday night, Councilmember John Payne raised the question of Barnett being kin to Councilmember Ronnie Terrill. Payne said that Barnett had suggested Terrill recuse himself from the vote. Terrill refused and voted in favor of Barnett.

Terrill told The Edge after the meeting that he had checked with Fraley before the vote about the correct course of action, and that the mayor said Terrill could vote. Barnett is Terrill's second cousin, according to Terrill.

This story was updated on May 14, 2026.