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VIENNA – When Dooly County Probate Judge Rooney Bowen III administered the oath of office to Vienna’s new mayor, Eddie Daniels and councilman Henry Johnson, history was made.

For the first time since its incorporation in 1841, the city will be governed for the next four years by an entirely African-American mayor and council.

“I have always worked with people of all races,” Daniels said. “And I would prefer that there be diversity in our city government, but the people elected the representatives that they wanted.”

Neither Daniels nor Johnson are new to the job. Daniels previously served as mayor and Johnson as a city councilman.

“It’s like coming back home,” Daniels said, “I’ve been here 16 years — twelve on the council and four as mayor — so I’m no stranger to the process. I’m looking forward to a progressive four years and I believe it has already started.”

After a nearly one-hour executive session regarding personnel, property acquisition/disposal and potential litigation, the council approved an amended and restated Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System (GMEBS) ordinance and adoption agreement.

They also approved a statewide mutual aid assistance agreement that designates persons authorized to act on behalf of the city to assist other municipalities, counties or the state in emergency situations.

In other business, the council:

• elected Councilman Randall Almond to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem

• approved Delwin Clements to provide harvesting services for the Tyson spray fields and Landin Smith to provide harvesting at the Ford spray fields.

• approved a resolution to submit a 2020 Historic Preservation Fund application

The Vienna City Council will meet again on Monday, January 27 at 6 pm at Vienna City City Hall.