For 16 years, Allen Brown wielded his gavel to bring a Hinesville City Council meeting to order at its beginning and rarely reached for it again.

Today, his gavel will be handed to Mayor-elect Karl Riles to start his four-year term in the seat. But as Brown’s final meeting came to a close recently, council members offered their thanks and appreciation for his 16 years total as mayor. Brown served a pair of two four-year terms. Term limits prevent him for seeking another consecutive stint in the office.

Council member Diana Reid, who also works at the Liberty County Development Authority, of which Brown has been chairman, was one of Brown’s students in the half-year he spent as a teacher.

“They gave me girls junior high PE,” he said, “and she was one of my 150 students.”

“Whoever thought however many years later, we wind up serving with each other side by side,” Reid said.

The meeting was also the last for Council member Keith Jenkins, who chose not to seek re-election after 16 years representing District 4.

“I have watched you grow as a council person,” City Manager Kenny Howard said to Jenkins. “I watched you negotiate with the county and come back with money. The last project you worked on was the Krebs Park and you were intimately involved in that. I want to say thank you for everything you have done for this city.”

Jenkins praised Howard for listening to and answering his questions over the years.

“I really appreciate everything and I mean everything you guys have done for me,” he said. “When I wanted to know something, I wanted to learn, he didn’t look at I was trying to boss him around, he looked at it like I wanted to know something about my job. I appreciate the time you took, even as assistant city manager, with me.”

Jenkins also offered his gratitude for city chief financial officer Kim Ryon for her patience and in showing him how the city’s finances are done and for engineer Paul Simonton in expanding his knowledge of city infrastructure. He also remarked on his long friendship with Gary Gilliard, the public works director of city public works contractor ESG and also a Liberty County commissioner.

“If you want a friend, you can find a friend in Gary,” Jenkins said. “Gary cares. He cares as much about the city as he cares about the county.”

Jenkins also pointed out that he once told then city clerk Sarah Lumpkin and Rose Kenner that when they decided to retire, he was going to follow.

“I’m fixing to leave,” he said, “and they came back.”

Jenkins also thanked Council member Jason Floyd for his ear and his advice.

“He gave a gentleman’s answer,” Jenkins said. “I appreciate your loyalty and your friendship.”

He also lauded Reid and Council member Vicky Nelson for their grace and sacrifice.

“When I am feeling bad and sick, there are two people I can always count on,” he said. “That’s Vicky Nelson and Diana Reid. They’re always reaching out to help somebody in the streets with the little bit of money that they are making. They love and care for this city. They love it.”

Jenkins also offered advice to Dexter Newby, who will take his place on the council, and Jose Ortiz, who is taking Riles’ District 5 seat. He encouraged them to attend Georgia Municipal Association classes to learn more about the workings of cities and government.

“We didn’t know nothing,” he said. “The only advice I can give you is to take these classes but don’t be afraid to come back and get a clear answer.”

Jenkins also said he believes Riles is up to the task ahead of him as mayor.

“I think our new mayor will do a wonderful job,” he said. “And he is going to need the support of you guys and the council.”

As for his relationship with the outgoing mayor, Jenkins alluded to rocky times early in Brown’s return.

“Mayor, it seemed like we were moving in two different directions,” he said. “After it was said and done, we came together.”

Hinesville Fire Chief Robert Kitchings, who presented the plaque with Brown’s name as city administrator from the fire station recently torn down, thanked both men for what they have done for the fire department.

Floyd also expressed his gratitude to soon-to- be former mayor and council member.

“I have enjoyed working with you gentlemen,” he said. “Thank you for your service. Don’t be a stranger.”

Riles offered his thanks to the people of District 5 for placing him on the council in the first place before the citywide electorate chose him as mayor.

“Maybe I’ll be as good as the mayor is,” he said.

Brown told Riles he is about to get a new brother and a new sister — Howard and city administrative assistant Christy Deloach.

Howard recalled coming over to the city to be community development director after being a personal property appraiser for the county. He did not know Brown personally but knew his name — both had played football for Bradwell Institute, graduating 15 years apart. When he applied for the position, one of the first people he spoke with was Brown.

Howard spent 25 years as assistant city manager and community development director.

“This past eight years, we’ve had tremendous success,” he said to Brown.

Howard also thanked Brown for his guidance in restoring the city’s operating reserve, which had been virtually depleted eight years ago. Now, the city has a comfortable rainy day fund.

Brown acknowledged that the first days of his second eight years as mayor were not easy with the new council, “but we got to where we needed to be,” he said.

Brown also thanked the city’s staff and its people for supporting him and the council over the last eight years.

“We’ve got the best department heads, we’ve got the best employees in any city. They make our jobs easier,” he said. “Thanks for all the support they have given not just to me but to all of us.”