Jerry Harkness is now officially the mayor of Demorest after his election in November.
Harkness won the municipal election against former Demorest Fire Cheif Ken Rannali months ago, and as of Monday night, he has taken the mayoral position for the city. The position was previously held by Rick Austin, who did not run for reelection in 2021.
Roy Andrew Ferguson was also sworn in Monday night. Ferguson will now take his seat on the city council after defeating incumbent councilman Jim Welborn in the November election by just seven votes.
Both were sworn in by Habersham Judge Chan Claudell.
Demorest councilmembers and former councilman Welborn attended Monday night’s swearing in ceremony.
“I appreciate everyone coming out tonight,” Harkness said. “I appreciate our councilmembers [and] our former councilmembers for being here tonight; I appreciate everyone coming out to share their support.”
Harkness made his first offical act as mayor after his swearing in: adjorning the city’s meeting.
