ATHENS, Ala. — At its Nov. 3, 2025, organizational meeting, the Athens City Council administered the oath of office to council members and elected new leadership for the coming year. The council approved a resolution appointing Chris Seibert as city council president and a separate resolution electing Dana Henry as president pro tem; each measure passed with four yeas and one abstention.

City officials noted that the Constitution of the State of Alabama and state law require an oath of office before council members assume their duties. County and municipal judges and a notary public were present to administer the oaths for council seats representing districts 1 through 5. The council confirmed that all five seats were present before proceeding with organizational business.

The council conducted a roll-call vote on the resolution naming Chris Seibert council president for a one-year term beginning Nov. 3, 2025, through Nov. 1, 2026. The roll call recorded Amy Golden, Dana Henry, Alan Creasy and James Lucas voting yes and Chris Seibert abstaining; the resolution was approved, 4 yeas, 1 abstention.

The council then considered a resolution to elect Dana Henry as council president pro tem for the same one-year term. The roll call on that measure was recorded as four yeas and one abstention; the council approved the resolution. The meeting record lists the vote tally but does not identify the mover and seconder for either resolution.

After the votes, a council member offered thanks to colleagues and named several individuals who assisted during their term as council president. The meeting also included an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members acknowledged the absence of Holly Holman and asked the public to keep her family in their prayers following a recent death.

The council completed its organizational business and adjourned. The appointments take effect for the one-year terms beginning Nov. 3, 2025.