VIDALIA — After 36 years of public service, Mayor Hyram Copeland thanked the people of Vidalia one last time for giving him that opportunity.

On Tuesday evening at the current board of aldermen’s final regularly scheduled meeting, Copeland was standing next to outgoing alderman Vernon Stevens — who estimated that during his time on the board he’d attended more than 600 meetings with the mayor — and the other outgoing Vidalia Aldermen, Ricky Knapp and Maureen “Mo” Saunders.

After the aldermen gave their final speeches, the crowd of more than 50 gave a standing ovation.

“I want to thank the people of Vidalia for giving me the opportunity to serve them, 12 years on council, and 24 years as the mayor,” Copeland said. “People are glad to live here, they are glad to be a part of it. That is the type of people that make up our community.

“People who contribute and give time to the community is what makes it so great.”

All four outgoing officials thanked the city employees, and Saunders also said a few words about the late Jack McLemore, who had been the city’s attorney.

The board members also had thoughts for each other. Knapp, who has served with the group for more than 20 years, said if you traveled back in time and flew over Vidalia, you’d see it has come a long way.

“We have butted heads and we have even agreed a few times,” he said. “But I say we have accomplished a lot over the years.”

All of the four outgoing officials verbally gave their support to the incoming team.

“I wish (mayor-elect) Buz (Craft) and the new administration all the best,” Stevens said. “If I can be of any help in anyway, just let me know.”

“Follow your heart, not someone else’s ideas,” Saunders said. “You will make mistakes, but God will forgive you.”

Craft and aldermen-elects Robert Gardner Jr., Tommy Probst and Sabrina Dore will be sworn in on July 1.

Copeland, who said he’d likely be spending time with his grandchildren, wanted to bless the city.

“I have asked the Lord to bless this community many times, and He has,” Copeland said. “We have ridden up and down the Mississippi River and all over this state to look at the communities, and I want to thank you Lord for what you have done for Vidalia over the last (few) years.”

4The board will have a public meeting to discuss the 2016 millage at 6 p.m. Aug. 9, at city hall. Board attorney Scott McLemore said the rate would rise from 3.31 to 3.39 mills, which would mean a house with an assessed value of $100,000 would pay an additional $8 per year in property tax.