Two appointees sworn in as Jacksonville aldermen; mayor confirms reappointment to police pension board

Rob Thomas and Mark Sorrow were sworn in as aldermen for Ward 1 and Ward 5 during the Jacksonville City Council meeting on May 20, 2026.

At the start of the meeting the mayor asked the clerk to administer the oath. During the ceremony Rob Thomas repeated the oath, saying, "I, Rob Thomas ... do solemnly swear and affirm that I will support the Constitution of The United States ... and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Alderman Ward 1." Mark Sorrow likewise repeated the oath as Alderman for Ward 5.

The mayor asked the council to confirm the two appointments by voice vote. "All those in favor of Mark and Rob being Alderman of Jacksonville, please respond by saying 'aye,'" the mayor said, and members answered in the affirmative; the mayor declared the appointments approved.

During the mayor's report the mayor also announced the reappointment of Kevin Hite to the police pension fund board for a term expiring May 9, 2028. The mayor asked for a motion to reappoint Kevin Hite; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The clerk had earlier described the term expiration date as 05/09/2028.

Why it matters: The two new aldermen will represent Ward 1 and Ward 5 on the City Council’s votes and committees. The reappointment to the police pension board fills a trustee term through 2028, preserving continuity on that board.

What’s next: The mayor said the council will undertake committee business at upcoming meetings and noted the next council meeting will follow a short time‑capsule ceremony before the regular meeting on June 26.