Sunday, May 5, 2024
The Gatesville City Council swore in one new city council member and two re-elected members at a regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at City Hall.
Following a canvass of the votes and declaration of the results from the Nov. 7 election, the oath was administered to the three incoming city council members. The newest member, Aaron Smith, won his race with 357 votes for Ward 1, Place 1.
"I want to thank the people of Gatesville for the amazing support I received during election time,” Smith said. “Also, the warm reception by the council members and community since being elected. My goal during this term is to assist Mayor Chumley and the council in making sensible decisions concerning community interests as well as distributing city funds for immediate and long-term priorities in respect to our town’s infrastructure.”
Smith adds that another objective of his term is to boost tourism in the area to bring more funds to local businesses as well as add in new ones.
Council members Meredith Rainer and Greg Casey also won their re-election bids. Rainer was reappointed to Ward 1, Place 3 with 646 votes and Casey was reappointed to Ward 2, Place 5 with 657 votes.
"I'm so grateful to the community for allowing me to serve the city for another term,” Rainer said. “I love our little town and the people here, and I'm just thankful that I can be a part of trying to make it even better."
All three members were sworn in by Kelsey Cole, one of the city’s municipal clerks. The swearing-in ceremony took place in front of city council members, friends, and family.
"I am very honored to continue to serve the people of Gatesville,” Casey said. “It's been exciting to watch and be a part of the positive changes and growth opportunities taking place in our community."
The council also recognized outgoing member Claude Williams and thanked him for his service. Williams recently represented Ward 1, Place 1.
Due to the absence of Mayor Chumley and City Council Member John Westbrook, the city council voted to move the appointment of a new Mayor Pro Tem to the next regular meeting on Dec 12.
Rainer currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem. The purpose of the role is to perform the duties of the mayor in his absence.
