HOUSTON – Sylvester Turner was sworn in as Houston's 62nd Mayor in a private ceremony at Houston City Hall on Saturday.
U.S. District Judge Al Bennett administered the oath to Turner and City Controller Chris Brown.
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Turner’s family members and friends were present including his daughter, who was by his side.
Mayor Turner placed his hand on the same well-worn Bible that he used during his time in the Texas Legislature.
Officials said the private ceremony was necessary in order to meet the legal requirements of the City Charter, which mandate the transfer of power must occur on Jan. 2. Turner was able to meet the Charter requirements while also avoiding the overtime costs that would have been incurred from having to call in police and other city employees to provide all the services required at an inaugural held on a holiday weekend.
"This was a decision based on financial concerns," said Turner. "We always have to be mindful of the bottom line."
The public inaugural for Turner, Brown and City Council will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Jones Hall in downtown Houston.
A pre-inaugural celebration will take place Sunday at 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Historic Market Square Park.
The free event is open to the public and will feature live music, food trucks and a fireworks finale.
Turner’s resignation as State Representative for District 139 was effective Friday.
He served in the state Legislature continuously since his first election in 1988.