Hahs takes over as Jackson mayor

Two mayors presided over the Jackson board of aldermen meeting Monday night, as Dwain Hahs was sworn in as mayor, replacing Barbara Lohr after her eight-year tenure.

Hahs defeated Lohr by nearly a 2-to-1 margin during the April election.

Lohr called the meeting to order and conducted votes on several agenda items.

The board authorized a contract with Slinkard Services for janitorial services in city hall and the police department for $1,600 per month and approved the appointment of Hahs and city administrator James Roach to the board of directors of the Southeast Missouri Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The board also renewed the city's mutual aid agreement with the Missouri Public Utility Alliance, which ensures assistance from outside communities during an emergency, Roach said.

Former Jackson mayor Barbara Lohr shakes hands with people after beginning the Board of Aldermen meeting, Monday at Jackson City Hall. Dwain Hahs, who defeated Lohr in April's election, was sworn in as the new mayor Monday night. (Laura Simon)

"[The agreement] allows us to tap into other cities' resources if a disaster were to occur," he said. "And it goes both ways; we would send or receive workers, trucks, and other utility aid."

The contract also spells out reimbursement terms for each party if services are required.

Lohr then thanked her fellow aldermen before new members were sworn in.

"I enjoyed my time in Planning and Zoning, and my five years as an alderman and eight years as mayor have been very enjoyable, too," she said. "What I will miss most is working with our staff, who are just a fantastic group of employees."

Katy Liley replaced Mark Dambach as representative of Ward 3, and Hahs was sworn in as mayor.

Hahs thanked Lohr and Dambach for their years of service before expressing his eagerness to begin serving the city.

"I'm excited to work with you and other businesses to strengthen our community in the coming years," he said. "As was mentioned earlier, the city staff and employees are ... a dedicated group of individuals."

tgraef@semissourian.com

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