Willow Park City Council certifies election results, swears in newly elected members and retains mayor pro tem

The Willow Park City Council on May 12 approved a resolution canvassing the May 2 general election and formally swore in newly elected council members.

Dina (city staff) presented corrected county vote totals and the council approved Resolution 2026-24 to declare the results. Judge Pat Dean administered the oath of office to the newly elected members, who recited the statutory oath to "preserve and protect and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States and of this state." Mayor pro tem status was left with the existing representative after a motion to retain Nick Cromwell and his assent, which the council approved.

The canvass confirmed vote totals for council places three, four and five as provided by the county; the resolution was corrected before adoption to reflect the county numbers. Judge Dean led the oath for each official and congratulated them on their elections. After the oaths, the council moved without objection to keep Cromwell as mayor pro tem; Cromwell replied, "If that's what y'all want, I'm happy to serve." (first reference: Cromwell.)

Why it matters: The canvassing and oath complete the legal steps that make the recent election results official and place the newly elected members in office. That establishes who can vote on upcoming budget, capital projects and ordinance matters.

The council handled the procedural matter early in the meeting; it then proceeded to other agenda items including midyear finances, capital-improvement planning and several action items. The council adjourned following executive-session actions and other business.