Vermillion council elects officers, appoints finance officer and city attorney; outgoing members honored and new mayor sworn in

The Vermillion City Council completed its reorganizational business July 6, electing council leadership, confirming administrative appointments and formally swearing in a new mayor.

Leadership and appointments: Council members nominated and confirmed Julia Hellwig as council president and Lindseay Genoine as vice president by roll‑call votes. The council recognized Nick Dodie as interim finance officer and approved Wendy Boura Diaz to begin as city finance officer on Aug. 3, 2026. The council also reaffirmed the engagement of the city attorney’s firm (Craig Huff) after staff and members said they were satisfied with the firm's performance.

Swearing in and farewell remarks: Kevin O. Kelly took the oath of office and was sworn in as mayor during the meeting; he said, "I will faithfully discharge my duties of mayor of the city of Vermillion, South Dakota." The council also presented proclamations and heard farewell remarks from outgoing long‑serving members Katherine Price and Richard Holland; outgoing Mayor John Cole received a proclamation and thanked city staff, council colleagues and residents for the opportunity to serve.

Why it matters: The elections and appointments set the leadership and administrative continuity for the coming term. Council and staff noted that committee assignments and procedural documents (including adoption of the 12th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order and reaffirmation of the 2024 rules and procedures manual) were also completed as part of the reorganizational agenda.

What’s next: Committee assignments will take effect and staff will circulate finalized assignments and procedural updates. Wendy Boura Diaz is slated to begin as finance officer Aug. 3; the city attorney will continue in the role pending standard review.