WATERVILLE — Nick Isgro will become the city’s 53rd mayor Tuesday night in an inaugural ceremony at the Waterville Opera House.

The public is invited to the 6 p.m. event, which will include an address by Isgro, remarks by outgoing Mayor Karen Heck and the swearing in of new city councilors and Board of Education members.

The inauguration will be followed by a 7 p.m. council meeting at which councilors will consider taking final votes on whether to makes changes to the solid waste ordinance to reflect the city’s new and controversial pay-as-you-throw trash collection system.

Isgro said Wednesday that he plans to touch on some familiar themes in his inaugural address.

“I think our decision-making should be long-term and thoughtful,” he said. “When we look at Waterville’s history, the challenges of our time are not unique, but it’s how we answer those challenges and produce new economic solutions in the new century to get our economy turning.”

Isgro’s term will be for three years. He said he looks forward to the challenges and working with city leaders and residents on issues facing the city.

“I’m really looking forward to going to work for the people of Waterville,” he said.

The Waterville Senior High School Jazz Band and String Ensemble will perform a processional under the direction of Sue Barre. City Councilor Dana Bushee, D-Ward 6, will welcome participants and the audience.

An invocation by Alan Imes, pastor of New Beginnings Church of God, of Waterville, will be followed by a performance of the national anthem by Sound Check, the high school’s 10-member student chorus, directed by Ciara Hargrove.

Gilman Pelletier will lead a pledge of allegiance, followed by Heck’s remarks. City Clerk Patti Dubois will issue oaths of office to councilors, school board members and other newly-elected officials..

New councilors are Nathaniel White, D-Ward 2, and Sydney Mayhew, R-Ward 4; Susan Reisert is the new school board member representing Ward 2.

Isgro’s address will be followed by a recessional performed by the high school band and ensemble.

In addition to considering proposed changes to the solid waste ordinance at the council meeting after the inauguration, councilors will consider a transfer of funds and appropriation from the surplus account to the airport.

The council also is scheduled to appoint residents to various boards and committees.

Isgro jumped into the mayoral race last year after regularly attending council meetings when the pay-as-you-throw trash collection system was being discussed. He urged city officials to listen to their constituents who were saying that, while they were in favor of recycling, they did not feel they could afford to buy special trash bags the city required as part of the program.

Councilors ultimately voted 5-2 to approve a proposed $37.2 million budget that included pay-as-you-throw with the stipulation that a referendum be held in June this year so voters will be able to repeal the program if they wish.

Amy Calder — 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @AmyCalder17

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