Demopolis swears in mayor, council that includes three newcomers

The Demopolis Mayor and City Council were sworn into office in a ceremony on Monday at Rooster Hall.

Marengo County District Judge Vince Deas gave the oath to the new and returning members who either ran unopposed or won their elections this year.

Mayor Woody Collins won reelection without opposition, along with District 1 Councilman Charles Jones Jr. and District 2 Councilman Nathan Hardy.

Newcomers District 4 Councilwoman Dawn Newell Hewitt and District 5 Councilman Hugh Overmyer also won their seats without opposition.

Luke Hallmark, District 3, won his seat in a runoff on Sept. 23 against incumbent David McCants. 

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“God bless each and everyone one of you and we appreciate your willingness to serve,” Deas said.

In the council meeting that followed the induction, members named Charles Jones as mayor pro tem, and they approved appointments to department leadership positions. Rex Flowers returns as public safety director. Sam Atkins continues as city clerk. Scott Stapp remains city attorney.

The newcomer is Fire Chief Greg Russell, who has served as interim chief and been with the department for 22 years. Collins said he first met Russell in 2002 when he asked for helping getting hired at the fire department.

The council also approved $5,000 for the Demopolis Food Pantry to help feed residents in need after losing SNAP benefits on Nov. 1.