Mayor, elected officials sworn in

Mayor Bill Collins eagerly took the podium at town hall Monday night, just moments after being sworn into office.

He stepped into shoes worn by longtime Mayor Berlin Myers, a man who held the office for 39 years.

"I am honored to serve as you mayor; I'm following a legend," Collins said to the nearly packed town hall.

A hearty round of applause rang out.

Collins was joined at the oath-of-office ceremony by two new councilmen — Terry Jenkins and Bill McIntosh — re-elected councilman Bob Jackson and the town's new commissioner of public works Joe Meachum.

Collins spoke briefly, calling the town "a truly special place."

"I will do everything in my power … to improve and enhance the quality of life that we all enjoy here," Collins said.

No other elected official spoke.