Sequoyah County Commissioners, at their meeting Monday, were joined by new commissioner Steve Carter of Vian, who was sworn into office Monday morning.

County officials who won their posts in last summer's elections and took the oath of office Monday were County Clerk Donna Jamison, Court Clerk Bernell Edwards, Sheriff Johnny Philpot, all incumbents, and Carter. Carter defeated incumbent Lewis Warren for the commissioners' post.

The commissioners also elected a chairman and vice chairman. District 3 Commissioner Cleon Harrell will serve as chairman in 2005 and District 1 Commissioner Bruce Tabor was serve as vice chairman.

Harrell announced that an interlocal law enforcement agreement, approved by Sallisaw city commissioners last month, was forwarded to District Attorney Richard Gray for review. "As soon as we get the DA's opinion we will put it back on the agenda for a vote," Harrell said.

No action was taken on lease-purchase agreements for motor graders for Districts 1 and 2. Jamison said the bids had to be recalled for and could be opened at the Jan. 24 meeting.

The commissioners approved a memorandum agreement for cooperation on projects with the Cherokee Nation. Harrell said the tribe had updated the memorandum.

The commissioners advised Bessie Johnson of Johnsonville, northwest of Vian, to seek advice from her attorney about having her property appraised. Johnson recently won a court decision on ownership of the property.

The commissioners salvaged an antenna used by Sequoyah 911 after the Brent Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new antenna to improve reception of emergency calls. Upon the recommendation of the 911 board members the commissioners gave the antenna to the fire department, which will try to repair the antenna and put it into use if possible.