Thea Sullivan sworn in at Council

The Olney City Council gained a new member at its Jan. 22 meeting when Thea Sullivan replaced former Mayor Pro Tem Tom Parker.

City Attorney Bill Myers swore in Mrs. Sullivan. She will serve the rest of Mr. Parker’s term, which expires in May.

Mr. Parker left the Council to concentrate on his duties as executive director of the Olney Economic Development Corporation.

Mrs. Sullivan, who is a certified public accountant, said she has not yet decided whether to run for a two-year City Council term.

“I have this meeting and another meeting to decide,” she said, noting the Feb. 16 filing deadline. “We do need more women on the Council.”

Mrs. Sullivan also serves as a board member on Keep Olney Beautiful. She said she was excited to serve on the Council.

“I’m excited to help make things better for the community,” she said. “You can’t make things better if you don’t jump in an help.”

She and Mayor Rue Rogers updated the Council about the status of the municipal swimmng pool, which is being handled by KOB.

The group has raised a little less than $400,000, nearly the price of the pool complex, which includes changing and restrooms and a concession stand.

Mayor Rogers said the group agreed to make those amenities expandable at a later time so that construction can begin on the pool. The City and KOB hope to have it open this summer, they said.

The new swimming pool replaces a 70-yearold facility that was shuttered in 2022 after structural cracks were discovered as it was opening for the summer.

The new facility willcomply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will have a chair lift for mobility-impaired swimmers, he said.