Rusk officials sworn into office

RUSK – Local city leaders were sworn into office May 13, with former Rusk Councilman Ben Middle-brooks taking over the mayor’s seat, District 2 Councilman Walter Session re-elected Mayor Pro Tem and new District 1 Councilwoman Kendall Pharis welcomed aboard.

Outgoing mayor Angela Raiborn administered the oath of office to her successor, then left shortly after thanking city employees for their dedication.

During the meeting, the Rusk Council approved the outsourcing of the municipal pool to resident Stephanie Wick. According to City Secretary Cinda Etheridge, as part of the contract, Wick will provide and cer-tify lifeguards for the season, and will provide her own insurance – which was paid by donations, Etheridge said.

The pool is scheduled to open during Memorial Day weekend.

In other action, the council:

• Approved a consent agenda

• Adopted a resolution denying a distribution of cost recovery factor rate request by ONCOR

• Approved 2020-21 city budget amendments

• Tabled an agenda item regarding the abandonment of 12th Street and a 50-foot segment of Weems Street.