Board members and treasurer sworn in

City government underwent a partial transformation Tuesday evening as council members Rebecka Monez and Erika Phillips, along with Treasurer Michael Abram, were sworn in for their four-year positions within the city. the town hall.

Monez, who represents District 2, won a second term last month by defeating retired businessman Milt Trieweiler by just 75 votes.

Phillips won the District 4 seat that was vacated by incumbent Councilwoman Pam Franco, who lost to Abram in the race for city treasurer.

City Clerk Nichole Fiez administered the oath of office to the officials, followed by Superior Court Judge Carrie M. Stephens who administered the ethics oath.

“It was great,” Phillips said of his first council meeting. “I feel like I fit in pretty well with everyone and I look forward to working with everyone.”

Abram felt the same way and took photos with his family: his wife Cassandra Abram, a District 3 council member, and his daughters Hannah, 6, and Lily, 2.

“I’m excited and looking forward to this opportunity,” Abram said. “Everyone I’ve met so far has been very welcoming and I can’t wait to get to work.” »

While welcoming the new officials, the city also said goodbye to Franco and outgoing Treasurer Diana Lewis.

“I’ve been very calm so far,” said Lewis, who became emotional when she took the podium. “I want to thank you all so much for your support and faith over the past 24 years.”

During Lewis’ six terms, she brought more than $18 million into the city’s coffers in interest investments.

“If you look at that over 24 years, that’s over $750,000 in income a year,” said Lewis, who plans to spend more time with his family and travel. “It’s a great return on our money.”

During Franco’s tenure on council, municipal reserves grew from $6 million to more than $20 million in just four years. Additionally, the city passed Measure A, the .75 cent sales tax which generates local funds that cannot be levied by the county, state or federal government, and which must be used in Turlock .

“The people of Turlock made the choice to give us Measure A, which made governing a lot easier,” said Franco, who thanked city staff, fellow council members and citizens of the district 4. “But what we did with the Measure A money is we set it aside – 50 percent for the roads. The roads are finally finished after 30 years and it will be up to the new council to continue this wonderful program.

During Franco’s mandate alone, more than 44 km of roads were renovated.