FAIRMONT — Kim Ammons was sworn in as Fairmont’s newest commissioner on Tuesday.

Ammons, who was born and raised in Fairmont, was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Frank Floyd during the Board of Commissioners’ monthly meeting. Perry Ashley, who submitted her resignation in March because she is moving from the town, nominated Ammons at the board’s March meeting.

“I’d just like to thank all the people in Fairmont for their support,” Ashley said, pausing to hold back tears. “When I ran, I really thought I’d be serving my full term. My family circumstances have changed and we are relocating. I do believe, however, that Kim Ammons will do an excellent job completing my term.”

Ammons will serve the remainder of Ashley’s term, which ends in December 2013.

“Fairmont always has been and always will be home to me,” Ammons said to the board after being sworn in. “… I look forward to working along with the other commissioners, the mayor, the citizens to promote and support a high quality of life for our residents in Fairmont, and to ensure that everyone is treated with respect, dignity and fairness.”

Also on Tuesday, the board approved a sewer rate of 4 cents per gallon for Whitehouse meat packing plant, which is scheduled to reopen.

According to Town Manager Linda Vause, the owner of the plant, Hubert Kissam, would like the town to accept waste water from Whitehouse. He proposed dumping about 6,800 gallons of waste each month into the Brown Street lift station, which would cost $272 at the proposed rate.

“This was done in the past, and we had problems in the neighborhood, a lot of problems with the odor,” Vause said. “… The ordinance is pretty clear cut on what they can and can’t do, but I don’t’ have a rate to charge.”

Public Works Director Ronnie Seals said state tests must be administered before the town could accept the waste for processing. The town can cancel the agreement with Whitehouse at any time, she said.

In other action on Tuesday, the board:

— Approved a proclamation naming Saturday Armed Forces Appreciation Day.

— Recognized Jennifer Martinez, a Fairmont High School student, who won a town contest by creating a flier that the town will use to promote itself at welcome centers, hotels and shopping malls along Interstate 95.

— Accepted a bid of $525 from Brian Rabon of Nobar Inc. for a building at 309 S. Main St.

— Approved a conditional-use permit for Cedar Grove Baptist Church, which wants to put a cemetery on Industrial Drive.