In a spirited ceremony held on Tuesday evening at the Heber City Council chambers, the community gathered to witness the swearing-in of Mayor Heidi Franco, along with newly elected city councilors Yvonne Barney and Morgan Murdock. The event was marked by a palpable excitement as friends and family filled the room, eager to celebrate the new leadership that will guide Heber City for the next four years. Mayor Franco, who is entering her second term, expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and emphasized the importance of unity within the community. 'As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are reminded of the values that bind us together,' Franco stated. She quoted a 17th-century Latin maxim, which translates to, 'In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.' Franco articulated that for Heber City, the essentials include responsible and sustainable growth that protects property values and ensures air and water quality. 'I believe our community will thrive in 2026 based on unity in these essential principles,' she added, calling for goodwill and integrity among constituents. Councilor Yvonne Barney, also starting her second term, shared a touching moment from her day leading up to the ceremony. When asked by her 10-year-old grandson, Charlie, why she was being sworn in again, Barney explained that she had been elected for another term. Charlie's reply, 'You know what, meemaw? Practice makes perfect,' inspired her speech. Barney candidly acknowledged the challenges inherent in her role, stating, 'I may make mistakes. I may make you upset as citizens. I may make you laugh at my bumbling sometimes because I just struggle with my words. I may also make you proud.' She vowed to continue her journey of personal improvement and community engagement, inspired by a quote from former Mississippi State Senator Chris McDaniel about structural reform beginning with personal change. Morgan Murdock, a newcomer to city governance, filled the seat left vacant by former councilor Scott Phillips. In his address, Murdock expressed gratitude for the community he has called home for 17 years. He highlighted the hardworking and caring nature of Heber City's residents, referring to them as 'genuine, hardworking and caring people – or, as my teenagers would say, legit people.' Murdock also paid homage to his ancestor, Joseph Stacy Murdock, a pioneer who helped establish settlements in the area. 'I’m so grateful for his example of service, leadership, and dedication, and I hope to honor his legacy,' he remarked. The ceremony also included the swearing-in of four new police officers: Riley Ingram, Jeremy Nelson, Benicio Alvarado, and Lucas Hyer. Officer Ingram, who came from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, has been a part of the Heber City Police Department for about a year. Officer Nelson, a veteran in law enforcement with over 27 years of experience, expressed his desire to return to fieldwork after a brief retirement. Alvarado and Hyer, both recent graduates of the Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy, are enthusiastic about serving the community. Notably, Alvarado is the youngest officer in the department, having reached the age requirement just nine days before graduation. Adding a touch of light-heartedness to the proceedings was the department's new K-9 officer, Bane, a shepherd mix trained for drug detection. Bane, who just celebrated his first birthday, was quite vocal during the ceremony, seemingly envious of his human colleagues receiving applause. As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism. The new leadership in Heber City is poised to take on the challenges ahead, with a commitment to community engagement and sustainable growth. As Mayor Franco, Councilors Barney and Murdock, and the new police officers step into their roles, the citizens of Heber City look forward to the positive changes and initiatives they will bring to the community in the years to come. This ceremony marked not just a transition in leadership, but a reaffirmation of the values and spirit that define Heber City. In a time where community connections are essential, the new council members and police officers are determined to foster a thriving environment, making Heber City a better place for all its residents.