Pictured is Mason County Commissioner Miles Epling giving the oath of office to several new members of the City of Point Pleasant’s new administration. Pictured are, back row (from left) Mayor Brian Billings, City Clerk Amber Tatterson, Council-At-Large Members Janet Hartley, Charles Towner, Council Members Douglas Tawney, Allen Moran; front row (from left) Council Members Linda Smith, Bob Rulen, Elaine Hunt, Keith Sargent.

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POINT PLEASANT — The City of Point Pleasant’s new administration was recently sworn in at the municipal building.

Mason County Commissioner Miles Epling gave the oath of office to Mayor Brian Billings, City Clerk Amber Tatterson, Council-At-Large Members Janet Hartley and Charles Towner and Council Members Douglas Tawney (Ward One), Allen Moran (Ward Three), Keith Sargent (Ward Four), Elaine Hunt (Ward Five), Linda Smith (Ward Six), Bob Rulen (Ward Seven).

Council Members Bob Doeffinger (Ward Two) and Rick Simpkins (Ward Eight) were not able to attend this weekend’s swearing-in ceremony but will be sworn in and ready to begin their duties when the new council meets for its first official meeting at 7 p.m., July 9.

This new administration contains two new council-at-large members and five new council members. The only council members who will be returning for a new term are Hunt, Smith and Doeffinger.

Billings and Tatterson are, of course, also returning to their jobs but this time they are returning as elected, as opposed to, appointed officials. Both Billings and Tatterson won their races in the May primary after being appointed to their current positions in 2009.

This new administration will face several issues, including the seemingly never-ending North Point Pleasant Drainage Project and the ever-present issue of dilapidated properties.

The new administration officially began its term on July 1, a term which expires on June 30, 2016.