Decatur elects Anthony T. Powers as mayor; new mayor pro tem named as two commissioners sworn in

Anthony T. Powers was elected mayor of the Decatur City Commission at the body’s organizational meeting on Jan. 5, 2026, following nominations and a voice vote. The commission also swore in two new members during the ceremony and selected a mayor pro tem for the year.

The vote came after a commissioner cited the city’s long history and nominated Powers for mayor. After no additional nominations were offered, commissioners indicated their approval by saying "aye," and Powers accepted the role. "I think 2026 is gonna be a fabulous year. I'm excited," Powers said after the vote, thanking colleagues and supporters.

The meeting opened with oaths of office for incoming commissioners, including commissioner-elect Mark Arnold and Sheryl Kortmeyer, each of whom named family and supporters in brief remarks after taking the oath. Kortmeyer thanked campaign staff and longtime community members for their support.

Commissioners described the leadership selections as a notable moment for the city. "This is a historic moment for Decatur that I'm so proud to be part of," Commissioner Corbier said, noting the new leadership lineup and pledging to lead with transparency.

The commission also filled the mayor pro tem (vice chair) role by nomination and voice vote; the record shows a nomination of Lisa Myers followed by approval of the person named in the motion to serve as mayor pro tem for 2026.

The newly organized commission outlined near-term priorities and scheduled internal planning: a commission retreat is set for Jan. 8–9, and the next regular meeting will occur Jan. 20, 2026, because Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the commission’s usual Monday meeting date.

The meeting adjourned after brief additional procedural items and remarks from commissioners.