Chris Miller and Ayana Shivers traded Mexico’s mayoral seat in the past. Miller served two terms, Shivers just wrapped up her second term, and now it’s Miller’s time.

The City Council named Miller to the seat at last Monday’s regular session, with Vicki Briggs voted to another term as the board’s chairman pro tem.

“I enjoyed being mayor before and I’ll enjoy it this term,” Miller said. “Ayana has done a good job that will require me to step up the pace.”

The mayor serves for one year. In 2012 the city adopted a policy limiting the mayor to two consecutive terms. City Attorney Louis Leonatti reminded the council that they have the option of changing that decision. Instead, Shivers nominated Miller for the post, with Briggs seconding the motion.

Miller gave Briggs’ name for another term as chairman pro tem with Steve Haag seconding. There were no other nominations for mayor or chairman pro tem and approval for each was unanimous.

Two years ago it was Miller who seconded the nomination of Shivers as mayor. Last year he made the motion to give her a second term.

“I felt that it was a good time for a change,” Miller said of Shivers’ nomination in 2019. “The community has enjoyed having Ayana as mayor.”

The mayor is selected from the sitting council members. Briggs and Miller were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting, both having been reelected to the council in the April 6 municipal election.

The mayor is responsible for running City Council meetings and making public presentations. Otherwise the position carries no authority beyond that of a council member.

“The pay’s the same,” Miller said with a laugh.

At the April 12 meeting, city manager Bruce Slagle also handed out the council’s annual salary — a $1 bill presented in a frame for display.