At the City Council Meeting held on Thursday, January 6, Council members Sandra Tooley, Andy Gibbs, Vivian Miller-Cody, and Eric Howard were joined by city officials and members of their families as they took their oath to office. The swearing-in ceremonies took place in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, located at 216 E. Central Avenue.

City Manager Mark Barber began the meeting by reading the 2021 Municipal Election Results from the election held on Tuesday, November 2, which have been certified by the Lowndes County Board of Elections.

Councilwoman Tooley of District 2, sworn in by the Honorable Ellen S. Golden, Judge of State Court, received 320 votes. Councilman Howard of District 4, sworn in by the Honorable Detria Carter Powell, Judge of Probate Court, received 444. Councilman Gibbs of District 6, sworn in by the Honorable Gregory A. Voyles, Judge of Superior Court, received 420 votes. 

 Mayor Scott James Matheson then entertained nominees from the council for the position of the new Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor Pro Tem is responsible for acting in the mayor’s place if he cannot attend an event or council meeting. Councilwoman Vivian Miller-Cody of District 1 was nominated by Councilman Howard, and Councilman Gibbs seconded the nomination. Councilwoman Miller-Cody was sorn in by the Honorable Detria Carter Powell.

The city of Valdosta would like to congratulate each council member and thank them for their continued service. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at (229) 259-3548.