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Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010

Harley sworn in as Centerville mayor

CENTERVILLE — John R. Harley was sworn in as mayor of Centerville on Tuesday night in front of more than 50 people gathered at City Hall.

“The last time we had this many people here, there was a tax increase involved,” Councilman Edward Tucker joked before the ceremony.

Houston County Superior Court Judge Edward D. Lukemire administered the oath. Harley, a former city administrator, replaces Harold “Bubba” Edwards at the helm.

“I’ve got some fine people up here. We’re going to do some great things together,” Harley said. “I’m just so excited about being ready to work with this team.”

City Councilmen Cameron Andrews and Randall Wright, who were unopposed in the election, also were sworn in at the meeting.

The council unanimously appointed Councilman Robert Smith as mayor pro tem.

The selection was based on a rotating schedule.

In other business, the council discussed increasing alcohol special event permit fees.

If approved, beer and wine off-premise fees would increase from $300 to $500 and catered event fees would increase from $35 to $300, Tucker said.

The proposed increase would bring Centerville’s fees in line with the city of Warner Robins, he said.

The new fees will be presented for public comment at the council’s work session Jan. 19, and the council plans to vote on the proposed fees Feb. 2.

Council also unanimously approved the reappointments of Municipal Court judges Jeff Grube and Fred Graham, Municipal Court Solicitor Susan McNally, Municipal Court Public Defender Rabb Wilkerson and Administrative Law Judge Herb Wells.

To contact writer Jennifer Burk, call 256-9705.