Eckville’s newly acclaimed mayor Colleen Ebden says she’s looking forward to the next four years and credits voters with selecting a council that balances experience and fresh perspectives.

Along with the mayor, council will include veterans Karin Engen, Dwayne Meyers and Collin Pacholek, as well as newcomer Lindsay Holmen.

“I think Lindsay will do very well — she will learn a lot,” Ebden said. “And maybe she can get more younger people involved in politics.”

Holmen received the most votes (157) of all the candidates running for council.

For the first time in the town’s history, council will consist of five members, down from the previous seven.

Ebden said the change ultimately comes down to saving taxpayers money. Two fewer councillors means savings on honorariums and other expenses typically paid to elected officials.

She added the change also brings Eckville more in line with other small communities, such as Rimbey, which moved to a five-member council several years ago.

Among the new council’s priorities is improving communication with residents.

“We heard it at the forums — I think we need to put out more communication: newsletters, email, Facebook — so people know what the town is doing,” Ebden said.

The council will be sworn in at the town office on Monday Nov. 3.

Council meetings in Eckville are held every second and fourth Monday of the month.