Bonham, Texas -- Bonham City Council convened Monday, May 15, 2023 to canvass returns of the May 6, 2023 election.

In the race to represent Ward 1 on Bonham City Council, John Burnett garnered 411 votes to edge out challenger Tony Rodriguez who had 377 votes. Mr. Burnett had previously served one year of an unexpired term in Ward 1.

Local businessman Ernie Quintana ran unopposed to represent Ward 5.

Kevin Hayes had previously represented Ward 5 for one two-year term followed by two three-year terms and therefore, due to term limits, was not eligible to run again. Mr. Hayes had also served as mayor pro tem.

City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge John Skotnik administered the oath of office to councilmembers-elect Burnett and Quintana.

(L-R) Bonham City Councilmembers-elect Ernie Quintana and John Burnett are administered the oath of office by City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge, John Skotnik.

Mr. Burnett and Mr. Quintana were presented writing pens that were created out of local bois d'arc wood by David Keene. Before the City of Bonham was renamed after James Butler Bonham, one of the heroes of the Alamo, it was known as Bois d'Arc, Texas. Mr. Keene serves as the ambassador of the Bois d'Arc Kingdom and he has done much to preserve this distinctive tree's unique place in local heritage. Keene's pens have been presented to dignitaries in Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas.

(L-R) Mr. Quintana and Mr. Burnett are presented writing pens that David Keene fashioned out of local bois d'arc wood.

With the new city council seated, the next order of business was to select a mayor pro tem.

Councilmember Wayne Moore nominated John Burnett to serve as the next mayor pro tem and the other members of the city council unanimously agreed.

Bonham Mayor Pro Tem John Burnett is sworn in by City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge, John Skotnik.

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Bonham City Council approved a resolution supporting the City of Bonham’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) call for projects.

TxDOT administers TA funds for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects, often in the form of sidewalks and bike paths.

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Bonham City Council voted to amend Section IV #10 and 11 of the Collection Contract between the City of Bonham and the Fannin Central Appraisal District, and attach addendum A, an email exchange which reiterates the city's intention to retain control of a portion of the tax collection process.