Evans swears in as Mayor, council approves FY 2026 budget

CENTERVILLE— In a special called Centerville city council meeting on Tuesday, June 24, Mayor-elect J. Micheal Evans was officially sworn in by Chief Judge Edward D. Lukemire to become the next Mayor of Centerville.

During the ceremony, Evans spoke on one of his key initiatives: public safety. He said he wants the citizens of Centerville to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods and communities. Evan’s first act as Mayor was swearing in a newly-hired police officer. By doing this, he wanted the citizens of Centerville to know  he is serious about public safety in his community. 

After swearing in, Evans thanked his wife for sticking by his side throughout the election process. 

“She put up with everything that we’ve been through together for the last four months, and it doesn’t stop now, it really just begins,” he said. 

Evans also addressed the public thanking them for putting their trust in him to become Mayor of Centerville. 

“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you, my family, my campaign team, the volunteers that worked with me and every single one of you who believed in me,” he said. “This is a moment that isn’t mine alone as it belongs to all of the city workers who serve us daily. They love this city and work to make sure that things are taken care of.” 

Evans said he has always dedicated his life to service ever since he was a member of the United States Air Force and Centerville City Council. 

“Serving the people of Centerville has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and now, as your Mayor, I renew that promise to serve with integrity, transparency and unwavering dedication,” he said. “We are going to strengthen our bond with Robins Air Force Base, our sister cities and our county leaders. We’re going to keep taxes fair and transparent, and our government is going to be accountable to the people because you deserve to know how your hard earned dollars are being spent.” 

Most of all, Evans wants to improve the quality of life for every resident in the city by investing in affordable housing, quality healthcare and education that prepares children for the future. 

“To those that voted for me, thank you for your trust, to those that didn’t, thank you for participating in the process, but I want you all to know that I will serve all of Centerville,” he said. “This is our city and our progress will only come when we rise together.” 

Evans believes the best days of Centerville are still ahead. 

“Let’s move forward with courage, unity and with the kind of determination that built this city from the ground up,” he said. “Let’s get to work because that’s the way we can make Centerville the great place that it can be.” 

There was still new business to discuss for the Centerville City Council. During the meeting, council approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. 

According to City Accountant Carol Harrison, the city’s budget includes 71 full-time positions, 26 part-time positions and five members of governing authority. The total  expenditures are set at $15,047,145 with the General Fund set at $6,590,023. 

Of those General Fund expenditures, 68% make up public safety with 18% to general government and 6% towards Public Works. Parks and recreation and judicial services each make up 3% while housing and development make up the remaining 2%.  

The full agenda of the June 24, council meeting can be found at www.centervillega.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/June-242025-SUPPORTING-DOCS-ONLINE.pdf