Taylor, 45, said she had "absolutely" no idea what to expect, it being her "first big campaign" attempt at public office and given her knowledge for the support enjoyed by former two-term councillor Belford, who was trying for re-election after missing out in a tough local elections campaign in 2019.
"Tom gave it his best, and I didn't know what the outcome would be," she said.
She has other governance roles on the boards of Life Education Trust and SPELD, and runs a business with good help from her staff member.
She doesn't expect that to interfere with the new role, for which she's in for the long haul, saying: "Tomorrow I start my campaign for re-election in 2022."
But she said she will have to start by getting a rapport with other councillors and learn what staff do as she starts her contribution to the future of freshwater quality and a cleaner environment.
The provisional vote was declared with 29 Special Votes still to be counted, 34 ballots returned blank and six informal, all constituting a return from about 24.35 per cent of eligible voters.
New council chairman Rick Barker, also a Hastings constituent, offered his congratulations to Taylor, saying it was "a clear win and a job well done".
"I acknowledge the other two candidates in this process and thank them for the courage to put their names forward," he said.
He also thanked those who "took the time and effort to vote" and contribute to the result, under the more challenging time of a Covid-19 lockdown.
He said it's an exciting time as the Council implements its new Long Term Plan with a strong focus on climate change and water.
On the council, Taylor joins Barker and third Hastings constituent Craig Foss, Napier's Neil Kirton, Hinewai Ormsby and Martin Williams, deputy chairman Will Foley (Central Hawke's Bay), Wairoa representative Charles Lambert and Ngaruroro constituency member Jerf van Beek.
Belford and Walding-Karaitiana have been contacted for comment.