By DEB GRUVER

Staff writer

Brogan Jones raised his hand Monday, ready for city clerk Janet Robinson to swear him into office on his first day of work.

Mayor David Mayfield already had made a motion to appoint Jones to replace ousted city administrator Mark Skiles, whose short term ended abruptly in December when council members voted to fire him because he allegedly had shown an inappropriate photo to a subordinate and had used the “N” word.

Council member Zach Collett seconded Mayfield’s motion to appoint Jones, and the council voted 4-0. Jerry Kline did not attend.

“Congratulations!” Mayfield told Jones.

“Thank you,” Jones replied.

Jones repeated Robinson word-for-word during his oath of office. But then he stopped to ask her to repeat a line because he wanted to make sure to get it right, much like a groom or bride want to recite their vows correctly. With a smile, he later explained what tripped him up — a line that was different from what he was used to hearing.

He definitely wanted to pass his first test, which elicited chuckles.

When he was finished, the mayor, council members, and the audience clapped.

“Congratulations!” a chipper Mayfield said again.

Jones then took his seat for his first council meeting as administrator.

Jones will earn $60,000. After receiving a master’s degree in public administration, expected this month, and six successful months on the job, he can qualify for a $5,000 bump.