Former South Pittsburg Mayor Mike KillianSOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. - After Mayor Mike Killian and City Commissioner Charles Reynolds announced in February they would not seek re-election in November, the South Pittsburg City Commission was destined for a significant makeover.
The board will have three new members in December.
Jimmy Wigfall and Jeff Powers will take over as commissioners for the city's 1st and 2nd districts, respectively, and Jane Dawkins will be sworn in as South Pittsburg's first female mayor.
Earlier this week Killian and Reynolds, the two longtime city administrators, attended their final commission meeting.
Killian, who served two consecutive terms as mayor, said it was time for a change.
"I have been very honored to serve here for eight years as mayor of my hometown," he said. "I appreciate a lot of people who have taken part in various things for the city."
Killian said he had "every confidence" that Dawkins was the right choice to lead the town.
"I feel like we are moving ahead the right way," he said. "I want everybody to know that I'll be here to help, but I'm not going to interfere. I'm going to enjoy being retired from politics."
Reynolds, who just completed his 24th year on the commission, said it was time to give someone else a chance to serve the residents of South Pittsburg.
"It's been a pleasure, and it's been a long time," he said. "I didn't have any idea that I'd sit here this long when I first sat down here. I'm not going to sit here and lie and say I'm going to miss it. But, I have enjoyed it, and I appreciate being given the opportunity to do it."
The revamped board will hold its first meeting on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. CST.