City officials sworn in

By Leigh Anne Butler

The face of the Tallassee City Council, Board of Education and office of mayor changed Monday night, November 3rd, at the regular City of Tallassee Council meeting. Blending old with new, the Tallassee City Council welcomed four new and three returning council members, and a new mayor.

George McCain became Tallassee's mayor, after defeating long-time incumbent Bobby Payne earlier this summer. Judge Glenn Goggans presided over the oath of office ceremony by swearing in the mayor, city council and board of education members. After the swearing in, the new mayor and council held their first meeting.

George McCain made his first proclomations as mayor as he honored past administration, including outgoing mayor Payne, as well as councilmen, Hal Miller, Donny Barton, Art Lambert and Treutt Grant. All were present to accept their certificates, except Miller.

The City Council Adgenda included thirteen items, most of which were appointments of Tallassee positions. Charles Blalock, Councilman of Ward 3, was reappointed as Mayor Pro-Temp and Barbara Garnett was reappointed to a four year term as city clerk.

Jimmy Rogers was reappointed Director of Public Safety. The position of City Judge was reappointed to Linda Benson for a two year term, with a salary of $1500 per month. The Law Offices of Scarborough & Weldon secured a four year term as public defender, with compensation being set at $125 per hour. The one appoinment that changed from the previous administration was the position of city attorney. Michael S. Harper was appointed, replacing John Smith of Balch & Bingham. Harper was attained at a rate of $175 per hour.

George McCain was appointed to superintendent of utilities, a position that is usually held by the mayor in cities the size of Tallassee. McCain will be compensated $1600 per month for the position.

The last item on the agenda were council comments. All council members made brief statements, most wanted to thank the people who elected them and the ideas of "change, growth and moving forward" were mentioned by several.

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