(Atlantic, Iowa) – The newly elected Mayor of Atlantic was sworn-in this (Wednesday) evening, during a meeting of the Atlantic City Council. Current Mayor Grace Garrett issued the Oath of Office to Rob Clausen, who succeeds Garrett, who chose not to run for re-election.

Mayor Elect Rob L. Clausen, Jr., is sworn-in by Mayor Garrett.

Garrett officially became Mayor in January, 2022, after winning a run-off election in November, 2021 by a razor thin margin. She reflected back on her experiences over nearly the past four-years and what’s to come.

The Mayor extended seasons greetings to the Council and community, before closing out her elected career.

Clausen takes over the center seat on the Council’s table, effective January 1st, 2026. Also sworn-in this evening, was Jeremy Butler, who was appointed by the Council to fill the seat left vacant in September by the resignation due to health concerns, of long-time Councilman Gerald Brink. Butler was unopposed for the seat during the November 4th, 2025 elections.

Jeremy Butler is sworn-in as At-Large Atlantic City Councilman.

Incumbent 2nd Ward Councilman Jim Behrens was also unopposed in November, and was re-elected to his seat. Behrens was also sworn-in, Wednesday.

2nd Ward Councilman Jim Behrens is sworn-in by Mayor Garrett

In other business, the Atlantic City Council received reports from Atlantic Public Library Director Michelle Andersen, Produce in the Park Market Manager Ciara Hoegh, and Meals on Wheels representative Sue Mosier. We’ll have details on their reports in a later post.

And, the Council passed a resolution “Authorizing the use of a preliminary official statement for the sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Refunding Bonds, Series 2026.” A similar resolution was adopted April 2nd (2025) by the Council for the 2025B G.O. series.