Mayor Elizabeth Skinner looks on as City Clerk Tia Galloway administers the oath of office to Adam White.
Changing of the Guard
Newly Elected Officials Sworn in at City Council Meeting
The City of Delavan ushered in a new era of governance Tuesday evening as newly elected officials took their oaths of office at the conclusion of the city council meeting. The swearing-in ceremony marked a significant transition for the city, welcoming a new mayor, a new city clerk, and three newly elected aldermen.
Mayor Skinner and former Cty Clerk Penny Bright
Before stepping down, longtime Mayor Elizabeth Skinner delivered her final mayor’s report, reflecting on her tenure and addressing one of her greatest regrets: being unable to provide a formal farewell to former City Clerk Penny Bright. Bright, who served Delavan for 35 years, retired in 2020 during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns. In a heartfelt moment, Skinner presented Bright with an engraved plate, acknowledging her decades of dedication to the city.
Following the regular council meeting, newly elected Mayor Adam White took the oath of office, succeeding Skinner after her 17 years of leadership. In his inaugural address, White expressed appreciation for Skinner’s service and pledged to continue building on the progress the city has made in recent years.
Outgoing City Clerk Laurie Magan officially swore in her successor, Tia Galloway, who immediately assumed her responsibilities and proceeded to administer the oath of office to Delavan’s newly elected aldermen. Levi Birkey (Ward 1), Joe Watts (Ward 2), and Linda Slabaugh (Ward 3) stepped into their roles, replacing retiring Aldermen Ben Ross, Wade Fornoff, and Jeff Johnson, respectively. The final oath administered by Galloway was for Mayor White, cementing the city’s leadership transition.
City Council Business
In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the council addressed several city initiatives, including:
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Right-of-Way Easement – Approved an ordinance granting an easement for the property at 507 Spruce Street, allowing property owners use while retaining city access for future needs.
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Water System Improvements – Accepted a proposal from the Cahoy Group to seal Well 2 for $13,722 after it was deemed unsafe for future use per EPA regulations.
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Road Maintenance Projects – Awarded seal coating projects to Porter Brothers for $93,978.96, a bid below budget, enabling additional road repairs.
With new leadership in place and key projects moving forward, Delavan enters a fresh chapter, embracing change while honoring its past. Residents eagerly anticipate the city’s continued growth under its newly sworn-in officials
