Even as many area residents are still recovering from ringing in 2009, those Fort Bend County officials who were elected in November’s will be taking the oath of office.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 1 in the 240th District Court in Richmond. District Judge Thomas R. Culver, III, will preside.

Among those taking the oath of office for another four-year term will be Sheriff Milton Wright, Tax Assessor-Collector Patsy Schultz, Judge Cliff Vacek, Judge Robert Kern, Judge Jim Shoemake, Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Pct. 2 Constable Ruben G. Davis, Pct. 3 Constable Rob Cook and Pct. 4 Constable Troy Nehls.

Newly-elected Pct. 1 County Commissioner Richard Morrison and Pct. 1, Place 1 Justice of the Peace Gary Janssen will also be sworn in. Morrison replaces outgoing Commissioner Tom Stavinoha and Janssen will take the bench formerly held by Judge Gary “Ike” Fredrickson.

The swearing-in is open to the public and refreshments will be served following the ceremony.