Mike Gaughan was officially sworn in Monday as a Douglas County commissioner.

At a small ceremony at the Douglas County Courthouse, Gaughan took the oath of office administered by County Clerk Jamie Shew.

Gaughan originally took office in April 2009, replacing former Commissioner Charles Jones. Gaughan was picked by Democratic precinct committee members in the county’s 1st District after Jones resigned. Gaughan was then re-elected in November, defeating Republican candidate Arch Naramore.

After the swearing-in Monday, County Commissioner Nancy Thellman, a Democrat, nominated County Commissioner Jim Flory, a Republican, as the new commission chairman. Gaughan seconded the nomination. Historically, the chairman has been a member of the majority party, said County Administrator Craig Weinaug. That is not the case with Flory, who is the lone Republican on the board.

Gaughan was elected as commission vice chairman.

Because county commissioners met Monday, there will not be a meeting on Wednesday.