Mayor, New Councilmembers Sworn In

The City of Olney officially welcomed two new city councilmembers as Sammy Livingston and Colson Ballard were sworn into office during the May 11 meeting of the Olney City Council. Mayor Rue Rogers also took the oath of office after running unopposed in the May 2 election.

Mr. Livingston, proprietor of Sammy Livingston Gun Dogs, and Mr. Ballard, who works at Tower Extrusions, replace outgoing councilmembers, Ronnie Cowart and Terri Wipperman. Mr. Cowart retired after one term on the council but is expected to continue serving on the board of the city’s Industrial Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. Mrs. Wipperman was defeated in the May 2 election.

Family members of the new councilmen attended the ceremony, which took place immediately after the council canvassed the election results and approved Resolution R726 confirming the election outcome.

City Attorney Dan Branum administered the oath of office to the new officials.

After the swearing-in, Mayor Rogers welcomed the newcomers and told them they were joining the council during a period of significant activity and growth in Olney.

“You’re coming on at a time when there’s a lot going on in the city of Olney,” Mayor Rogers said, referring to the city’s two Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones, ongoing water treatment plant construction, redevelopment efforts and the arrival of incoming City Administrator Andy Wolfe. “It’s an exciting time to be a member of the city council and be a part of what’s happening and to see it through.”

Mr. Livingston briefly thanked residents for the opportunity to serve, saying he hoped “to do well,” while Mr. Ballard echoed the sentiment.

Mayor Rogers thanked both Mr. Cowart and Mrs. Wipperman for their service immediately after the election canvass was approved.