Newberry swears in three commissioners; Farnsworth named chair pro tem

The City of Newberry swore in three newly elected commissioners at its April 27 meeting and selected leadership for the coming year. Ricky Coleman, Mark Clark and James Montgomery "Monte" Farnsworth took the oath of office and offered brief remarks thanking voters and promising to serve.

Mayor called the ceremony to order and the city manager read the official election totals for the three commission races. After the oaths, commissioners took turns addressing the commission and the audience; Coleman said he appreciated “all the trust from the citizens of Newberry,” while Clark said he was “ready to just do what we said we were gonna do for campaigning.” Farnsworth thanked voters for the opportunity to serve another term.

The commission next considered appointments required by its charter. By motion and roll call, the body appointed Commissioner Farnsworth to serve as chairperson pro tem; Mayor announced the motion passed 4–1. The commission then approved Commissioner Donald Long as alternate chair pro tem by unanimous voice vote.

Those actions complete the post‑election organizational steps required after the municipal vote. The commission recessed and scheduled a regular meeting to begin at 7:00 p.m.