Centerville swears in Mayor Evans, Councilmen Bird and Wright at January meeting

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Two men standing across from each other raising their right hand. One of the men has their left hand on the Bible. A woman is standing between them holding the Bible. — Centerville Mayor J. Michael Evans (right) is sworn in by Houston County Judge G.E. “Bo” Adams (left) during a ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 6. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

CENTERVILLE – Centerville is at full capacity with its council after the city’s first meeting of the year.

Three of its members were sworn in for new terms at the Jan. 6 meeting. The first was Mayor J. Micheal Evans.

Evans was elected mayor in a special election in June of last year. He won against Justin Wright with 58% of the vote.

Evans was initially elected to fill the unexpired term of former mayor John Harley, who retired at the start of 2025. Then, in November, Evans ran unopposed and was elected mayor.

Councilman Robert Bird and Wright also ran unopposed for Post 1 and Post 3 and were sworn in during the meeting.

Previously, Councilwoman Velicia Lowe was elected in November, defeating four other candidates with 60% of the vote. She was sworn in during a ceremony in November.

At the meeting, Evans was grateful for citizen support and congratulated the fellow council members.

“We really appreciate you all being here to support us in the endeavors that we undertake for the city of Centerville. I want to congratulate Councilman Bird and Councilman Wright; now we have a full city council,” Evans said.

Lowe and Councilman Edward Armijo also congratulated their fellow council for their reappointments.

“Congratulations, again, to the Mayor and the councilmen who were sworn in today. It’s great to have a full council,” Lowe said.

Finally, Evans thanked city staff for their work and said he looks forward to working with everyone.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Centerville with this group of dedicated public servants,” Evans said. “I look forward to working with you all over the next two-to-four years and again, thank you employees, for all your hard work and citizens for allowing us to serve.”