Taking the Oath of Office is something really to take in. It was kind of hard to keep from shaking as I said the oath. One thing that I found interesting was the fact that I didn't have to be sworn in on a bible. Everyone that took the oath didn't swear on the bible and just stuck their right hand in the air. I however decided that I really wanted to do it right and I was sworn in on my father's study bible opened to Kings 3:9-11. Which for those of you who don't know is that passage in the Bible where King Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule God's people.

Shortly after sitting down we moved on to city business and we had reports from the Oskaloosa Library and the City Pool telling us what was going on with their ends of the budget and staffs. We then discussed the city's monthly financial statement, school zoning, City Council President, and the last thing to be discussed what the Mayoral Appointments.

The Mayoral Appointments are voted on by the City Council. If you are sitting on the council you have a little say as to who gets the jobs that are up for appointment. For instance, if you have a problem with the Mayor's choice to fill a seat on the council then you can vote it down. With a vote like that it has to be unanimous. Also, the council has to make a motion and second it to accept the appointment.

Council President is someone who oversees the council and is next in line for mayor if the current mayor fails to do his or her duties, voluntary or otherwise. Generally you want to give this job to someone that you can see as mayor and someone that has been there a while, having a firm grip on what's going on. This too has to be unanimous decision of the council.

City Departments are the areas that you are going to oversee like Police, Streets, Maintenance, Waste water, etc. These are the Oskaloosa City Departments:

Police
Streets/Maintenance
Park/Pool
Water/Waste water
Office
Zoning
Finance
Health Board

Everything other then Streets/Maintenance and Water/Waste water are apart of the General City Budget. These two departments have there own budgets. The main reason this is because they take up the majority of city finances and it is good to make sure that they are budgeted properly so you don't have problems finding funds for other city needs.

Every other department is pretty self explanatory, except for Health Board. I've had a few blank stares from people when I told them that I was on it and basically you report on homes and things in the city that are a health risk to it's citizens. One of the things that we do is go around and enforce the 12 inch tall grass ordinance. If it goes over 12 inches we send a notice to the owner and if there is no response, we mow the property and send a hefty bill ($500).

All and all you'll find that it maybe a bit overwhelming, but you can do well if you open your mind and listen to those around you and never forget who you work for... the citizens.