BONNEAU, S.C. — For the first time in four decades, the town of Bonneau has sworn in a new mayor.
Allen June, the only candidate on the ballot for mayor, took the oath of office Monday evening, marking the end of an era for the small Berkeley County town. June succeeds longtime Mayor Rembert Wrenn, who did not seek reelection after serving in the role since 1986.
June, a longtime town council member, begins a four‑year term as mayor — becoming Bonneau’s first black mayor.
New council members also sworn in
Monday’s ceremony also seated several newly elected council members following the town’s May 12 election.
Bonneau’s election rules require the mayor and all four council seats to be on the ballot at the same time. The two highest vote‑getters receive four‑year terms, while the next two candidates receive two‑year terms.
Here are the certified results from the recent election, according to Berkeley County Voter Registration and Elections.
Four‑year council seats:
- Joe Brunson – 69 votes
- Raymond Hood – 70 votes
Two‑year council seats:
- Brian Legnard – 62 votes
- Meredith Davakas – 45 votes
Other candidates included Debbie Thomas (37 votes), Britney Gathers (8), Will Wren (2), and Fleetwood Thomas (1).
READ MORE l Bonneau Unveils New Walking Trail
Mayor steps away after 40 years
Wrenn, who has served as Bonneau’s mayor for 40 years, previously announced he would not seek reelection because of health issues.
In a statement released Monday, the outgoing mayor reflected on his decades of service and thanked residents for their support over the years.
“I want to thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your Mayor for the past 40 years,” Wrenn wrote.
“Because of health issues, I chose not to run for another term as Mayor. While this was not an easy decision, I know it is the right one for me and my family at this time.”
Wrenn said the relationships he built throughout his tenure would remain one of the most meaningful parts of his time in office.
“Along the way, many friendships were made, and they will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.
📰SUBSCRIBE: Get the latest Berkeley County, SC news delivered to your inbox.
‘One of the greatest privileges of my life’
The longtime mayor described leading Bonneau as one of the defining experiences of his life, pointing to the challenges and accomplishments the community experienced together over four decades.
“Serving this town and its people has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Wrenn wrote. “Together, we have shared challenges, accomplishments, and countless memories that I will forever cherish.”
He added that he was proud of what the town accomplished during his administration and grateful for the trust residents placed in him through the years.
“I am proud of what we have built as a community and thankful for the trust you placed in me throughout these many years,” the statement said.
Looking ahead to Bonneau’s future
Wrenn also offered congratulations to June and the incoming council members, saying he hopes they continue moving the town forward.
“I would like to congratulate the New Mayor, Allen June, along with the newly appointed Town Council,” Wrenn wrote. “I wish them great success as they continue serving our community and leading the Town of Bonneau into the future.”
As his time in office comes to an end, Wrenn said Bonneau will always remain close to him and his family.
“Bonneau will always be home to me and my family, and I will continue to treasure the kindness, encouragement, and friendship that so many of you have shown me and my family,” he wrote. “Thank you again for the opportunity to serve this wonderful town.”
Wrenn’s departure marks the end of one of the longest mayoral tenures in the Lowcountry and closes a chapter that stretched across generations of residents in the small Berkeley County community.
