Owensville City Clerk Peggy Farrell swore in the reelected officials from the April 7 election during Monday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Returning to their positions for an additional term are Mayor Kevin McFadden, receiving 417 votes for an additional two-year term; City Marshal Scott Griffith, receiving the highest number of votes – 425 – and serving a four-year term; Ward 1 Alderman Dr. Cathy Lahmeyer, receiving 213 votes and seated for an additional two-year term along with Ward 2 Alderman Denise Bohl who received 188 votes.

Lahmeyer also retained her position as board president through a motion made by Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Kramme, seconded by Bohl and receiving unanimous board support.

Together, they have over 30 years in office with Bohl serving over 12 years, Lahmeyer serving over 11 years and McFadden and Griffith, a U.S. Marine veteran, entering their second elected terms. All four were originally appointed into official roles prior to being elected.

According to McFadden, five write-ins were received for city marshal, five for mayor, five for Ward 1 alderman and two or three for Ward 2 alderman, although none were included on the official results.

When asked what motivated them to keep office and what keeps them committed to their service, all shared a resounding echo to make the city a great place to live — with a focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency.

The group previously shared with the Republican some of their proudest accomplishments in their terms.

Lahmeyer shared that she was most proud of “steady progress rather than flashy promises,” emphasizing that maintaining fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars, the infrastructure and supporting public safety keeps Owensville a safe, stable and affordable place to live.

“Being fiscally responsible ensures the strength, growth and longevity of our community,” McFadden echoed in his response that highlighted pride in the Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) bond issue and Rock Island Trail development.

Bohl also named the trail’s development as a proud accomplishment along with the creation of the Owensville Fire Protection District.

Griffith had three accomplishments he was most proud of: a fully staffed and well equipped department, reestablishment of the relationship between Owensville Police Department (OPD) and Gasconade County R-2 (GCR-2) School District for School Resource Officer services and expansion of community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Shop with a Hero holiday assistance project and more.

As they move into the next term, slated priorities for the Board of Aldermen include continued progress with the abandoned houses project, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mandated I&I improvements, the sidewalk and crossing light project, the street light project on First Street and the expansion of the Rock Island Trail.

Griffith plans to continue running his department with a focus on maintaining a fully staffed and well-equipped department, strong community presence and relationship building with citizens and partnerships with organizations such as GCR-2.

“I also want to ensure that future decisions balance growth with preserving the small-town character that makes Owensville special,” Lahmeyer added.