BELHAVEN — Monday night officially marked the first day of a new term for the candidates elected to the Belhaven Board of Aldermen.

At the board’s regularly scheduled meeting, Mayor Adam O’Neal was sworn in for his sixth term by Town Clerk Jeanie Budge, along with the newly elected Aldermen Dr. Charles Boyette, Ricky Credle and Amos Wilson.

Alderman Greg Satterthwaite was re-elected by the board as mayor pro-tem.

Belhaven’s mayor serves a two-year term and its aldermen serve staggered, four-year terms.

The Town of Belhaven also said goodbye on Monday to its outgoing aldermen — Julian Goff, Robert L. Stanley and Vic Cox — with a plaque presentation honoring them for their service.

The swearing in follows a contentious election in Belhaven, especially regarding the mayor’s position. Ricky Radcliffe, part of the four-person Belhaven United candidate group, ran against incumbent Mayor O’Neal on the grounds of uniting the town and having the administration become more fiscally responsible.

O’Neal’s campaign focused on his continuing efforts to reopen the hospital in Belhaven, and he won re-election over Radcliffe by almost 60 votes.

Incumbent Robert Stanley ran against newcomer Ricky Credle for the West End Alderman seat for the Nov. 3 election, but lost to Credle, 365-340. Incumbent Vic Cox, Shane Hubers, Charles Boyette and Amos Wilson vied for the two open East End Alderman seats, with Boyette and Wilson winning election with 369 and 341 votes, respectively.

Julian Goff said early on that he would not seek re-election this year, as he was only filling in for the remaining two years on a resigned alderman’s term.

He said the plaque presentation at Monday’s meeting meant a lot, but he is ready to move on from that chapter of his service to Belhaven.

“I’m interested in the community and the town, and I’ll be involved in other things,” Goff said.

He said he wants to continue promoting Belhaven Seniors’ Center, working to increase its number of participants and garner interest in its resources.

“And when I get old enough, I’d like to participate,” Goff said, laughing.

The next meeting of the Belhaven Board of Aldermen is scheduled for Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Belhaven Civic Center.