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West Yellowstone council elects Travis Watt mayor, swears in new council members and two police officers
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting the town council elected Travis Watt mayor and Brian Behnke deputy mayor for 2026, administered oaths to newly seated council members and swore in two police officers; the council also discussed upcoming priorities and staff reports.
The West Yellowstone Town Council on Jan. 6 elected Travis Watt mayor and Brian Behnke deputy mayor for 2026 and performed multiple ceremonial oaths of office.
A council member moved to elect Travis Watt and Brian Behnke; the council called the question and approved the motion by voice vote. Deputy clerk Liz Ruse administered the oath to the mayor, deputy mayor and new council members.
In a separate ceremonial item the council swore in two new police officers, Deb Wagner and Rick Nicholas. The council and members of the public congratulated the officers on their appointments; the officers signed the oath and posed for photos.
Town account manager Dan Walker delivered a brief staff report that included recent hires across departments and encouraged council members to submit priorities ahead of an upcoming work session. Walker also noted department annual reports are scheduled for the Jan. 20 meeting and said staff will use council input to set priorities for the year.
The council used the meeting to confirm board representative assignments and to thank departing and continuing advisory-board members. The mayor closed the meeting after routine reminders and announcements.
