1-06-2026 6:56pm

Saline City Council Starts the New Year

Libby Williams Contributor

SALINE — Saline’s newly elected city officials are officially seated following a swearing-in ceremony held Monday, Jan. 5, marking the start of a new term for the City Council.

Circuit Judge Jinan M. Hamood administered the oath of office to three council members: incumbent Jenn Harmount, returning council member Jim Dell’Orco, and newly elected council member Tramane Halsch.

The ceremony took place ahead of the council’s first organizational meeting of the New Year, formally beginning the officials’ terms and allowing the body to proceed with city business for the coming year.

Harmount, who is re-elected to the council, continues her service representing Saline residents. Dell’Orco returns to the council after previously serving, while Halsch joins the governing body for the first time following the November election.

After the oath was administered, Mayor Marl gave his annual State of the City address. He touched on several topics from the previous year, including the public space development, securing new businesses in downtown, and the public concern regarding the Saline Township data center project. The mayor emphasized that infrastructure was a main item for this year on council.

“It should be crystal clear to all residents and business owners that the days of infrastructure delays and deferrals are over.” stated Marl, specifically mentioning the wastewater treatment plant, street and sidewalk construction, and Mill Pond Dam. The Mayor also expressed his appreciation to the community for voting to approve street millages three times over the years.

There was some contention with the appointment of Council members Nicole Rice as Mayor Pro-Tem and Jenn Harmount as Presiding Officer for the year.

Council member Dillon was apprehensive about the validity of the officer position. “We continue to appoint a presiding officer; it is not a position that is within our (Saline) charter. Just for clarification, have we ever received a legal opinion as to whether we have the authority to create that position, and whether it would have any authority?”

City Manager Dan Swallow explained that council has the authority to appoint a chair to run meetings only, but did not have a current legal opinion to support it. City council first created the position in 2019 due to multiple occasions where both the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem were absent from council meetings due to travel.

Dillon also expressed concern with the Mayor Pro-Tem position and requested to make a statement,

“Having served on city council for over ten years, with the last three as mayor pro-temp, I have a clear understanding of the responsibilities this role entails. This position requires reliability, accountability, sound judgement, and trust. Mr. Girbach has consistently demonstrated these qualities, and I would like to put his name forward for the 2026 Mayor Pro-Tem.”

The Mayor Pro-Tem candidate is selected by the Mayor, with approval voted on by the entire city council. Mayor Marl quickly moved to vote on both positions, with the motion carrying 5-2 with council members Girbach and Dillion dissenting.

The Saline City Council consists of seven members and meets regularly at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public and streamed online.