The City of Mont Belvieu recognized both a continuation of service and a new chapter in local leadership during Monday evening’s swearing-in ceremony for city council members and the City’s municipal judge.
Councilmember Mike Pomykal was officially sworn in for another term on the Mont Belvieu City Council, further cementing his place as the longest-serving councilmember in Mont Belvieu’s history. A lifelong resident of Mont Belvieu and graduate of Barbers Hill High School, Pomykal has now served the community for 26 consecutive years. By the completion of his current term, he will have served a total of 29 years on council.
Also sworn in Monday evening was Mark Ables, who was elected unopposed to City Council Position 2 during the spring 2026 election. Prior to joining council, Ables dedicated 18 years of service to the City through the Mont Belvieu Planning and Zoning Commission. Ables succeeds former Councilmember Mickey Bertrand, who was elected to Position 2 in 2023 and served the community during a period of significant growth and development for the city.
The City also officially welcomed Judge Michael Wheat as Mont Belvieu’s new municipal judge. Judge Wheat has served as the City’s associate judge since July 2025 and also currently serves as Chambers County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2.
Judge Wheat steps into the role following the longstanding and faithful service of Judge Larry Cryer, who served as Municipal Judge for the City of Mont Belvieu since 2000. City officials expressed their appreciation for Judge Cryer’s decades of dedication, leadership, and steady service to the residents of Mont Belvieu and the municipal court system.
“Tonight reflects both the strength of our history and the promise of our future,” said Mayor Joey McWilliams. “We are grateful for the experience, leadership, and commitment these individuals bring to serving the people of Mont Belvieu. Our community has benefited greatly from those who have dedicated themselves to public service, and tonight’s ceremony is a reminder of how important that commitment continues to be.”
Mont Belvieu operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six councilmembers elected at-large to staggered three-year terms.