Barbara Buffaloe looks forward after being sworn in as next mayor of Columbia

Barbara Buffaloe was officially sworn in Monday evening as Columbia's next mayor.

"I look forward to working hard for this community," Buffaloe said. "I look forward to moving us forward, working on our consensus and working with these amazing individuals who are up with me at the dais as we move Columbia forward."

Her election makes history, shifting the representation on the Columbia City Council to a majority female for the first time. She is the second female mayor of Columbia, following Mary Anne McCollum, who in 1989 became the first woman elected to the position.

"I take that with heart, and I take that with conviction to work hard to continue to support our community so that everybody has that ability to live a satisfied life," Buffaloe said.

More: With Barbara Buffaloe as mayor, women outnumber men on Columbia City Council for first time

Buffaloe won the election over candidates Randy Minchew, David Seamon and Tanya Heath, who all decided to run after outgoing Mayor Brian Treece announced last year he would not be seeking the seat for a third term.

After taking her oath of office, her gavel and her new seat at the dais, Buffaloe thanked Treece for the work that was done during his term within city staff and in the community. She thanked her friends, family and supporters of her campaign for aiding her throughout the election cycle.

More: Barbara Buffaloe learned to 'trust her own voice' on Columbia's mayoral campaign trail

She intends to continue to be authentically herself throughout her term, she said.

New council member Nick Foster took his oath of office and his seat at the dais for the first time Monday night alongside Buffaloe.

Foster won the election for the Fourth Ward seat over opponent Erica Pefferman.

"I look forward to working with the others who are here on this dais to carry us forward to bring our passions, our skills and our desires to a joint vision of what the city is and can be," Foster said. "I commit myself to you in that way. I am humbled by the opportunity."

Former Fourth Ward council member Ian Thomas and Treece were given resolutions of appreciation for their service on the council.

Treece highlighted what he considers successes of his administration, including welcoming entrepreneurs, appointing over 380 women to boards and commissions, and sharing a commitment to diversity, he said.

More: Brian Treece reflects on tenure as Columbia mayor, starts job at EquipmentShare

"It has been my privilege to represent you these last six years," Treece said. "I have had the enormous opportunity to work with some of our community's most dedicated and talented leaders."

Many of the accomplishments of his administration came during the past two years, the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. He cited high vaccination rates, early masking requirements and low hospitalization rates.

"We have restored voter confidence in a city government that is responsive, transparent and resilient," Treece said.

Thomas' parting remarks primarily focused on the current political climate locally and internationally.

"Most of us in this room have benefited from unearned privilege and have been guilty of turning a blind eye to injustice," Thomas said. "We have to be resolute in acknowledging this truth and putting our shoulders to the wheel to help those that are suffering today and level the playing field for future generations."

He and his wife plan to move to Minneapolis now that they both have retired.

"It has certainly been a privilege to serve on this council for the last nine years," he said of his tenure, citing relationships he made with fellow council members and the community.

More: Nick Foster wins Columbia City Council Fourth Ward seat

Thomas and Treece were presented with Heritage Tree certificates, which allow for them to select a park where a tree will be planted in their honor.

Thomas was given a cutting board made out of recycled wood from Stephens Lake Park. Treece's six years as mayor were further commemorated with a painting of Columbia by David Spear and a plaque on behalf of the citizens of Columbia.

Second Ward council member Andrea Waner was appointed as the new mayor pro tem. The position was previously held by Third Ward council member Karl Skala.

Skala and challenger Roy Lovelady tied for the Third Ward seat in the April 5 election. Skala will remain in the seat until a special election Aug. 2.

Lauren Tronstad covers local government and politics for the Tribune. Contact her at LTronstad@gannett.com or on Twitter @LaurenTronstad.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Buffaloe looks forward after being sworn in as next mayor of Columbia