Council's last meeting in 2024, New Year, new faces

Councilmember Jim Davis said goodbye to his fellow councilmembers at last night’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting. It was the last regularly scheduled meeting of 2024 for Berea’s governing body, and Davis’s last meeting ever (unless he runs again), having lost his seat in November’s election. Councilmember David Rowlette, who has been fighting an illness, will also not be returning.

Mayor Bruce Fraley thanked both Davis and Rowlette for their service, and Councilmember Steve Caudill expressed admiration and gratitude for Davis’s mentorship both in life and on Council, noting that he’s known Davis most of his life.

Also saying goodbye to her colleagues in the City’s operations was City Administrator Rose Beverly, who has resigned to take a position as city manager of Paris, Texas. In a previous meeting, all Councilmembers, except the absent Rowlette, praised and thanked Beverly for her work helping to ensure effective and efficient management of all the City’s operations.

For now Berea Fire Chief Shawn Sandlin will be acting as Interim City Administrator until Beverly’s replacement is found. Steve Davis (no relation to Jim) and John Payne will be the incoming Councilmembers.

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Update: This article was update don Dec. 18, 2024, 4:10pm to reflect the incoming members of City Council and the interim city administrator.