Keokuk swears in James Ferno as city administrator

Keokuk — The City Council on July 3 approved the appointment of James Ferno as city administrator and authorized execution of his employment contract.

Mayor Mahoney (referenced in the motion) recommended the appointment and staff described the contract terms and role responsibilities. The council voted to approve the resolution and then administered the oath of office on the record. In the transcript the oath was recorded as: "I, James Ferno, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of The United States and the state of Iowa...and faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of city administrator of the City of Keokuk."

"I am excited," Speaker 3 said after the oath, and council members offered congratulations.

Next steps: the city administrator will assume duties as outlined in the executed employment contract; staff indicated the appointment will support a leadership transition and ensure management continuity.