The Pembroke City Council Monday named its chambers in honor of former Mayor Harry Owens, unveiling a new sign in the building’s entryway. Owens and members of his family were present for the dedication.

Mayor Judy Cook acknowledged the influence Owens had on her own career with the city and as mayor.

“When I decided to run for mayor in 2000, one of the things I put in my brochure was how much I admired him and what he taught me,” Cook said. “He taught me that in the city of Pembroke, you look after the people and you also treat it like a business. And that’s two of the things he left me with and I really, really appreciate it.”

Owens served as mayor of Pembroke from 1971 – 1977.

Owens’ granddaughter, Councilwoman Tiffany Walraven, also spoke with admiration and affection.

“Tonight we are going to dedicate the council chambers in honor of my grandfather, Harry Owens, and again, he’s taught me a lot too,” she said. “When I ran for office, we sat down many times and talked about the city and things he did as mayor and how he ran the city.”

In other business, the council adopted a general fund budget of $2.2 million for fiscal year 2018 and a water/sewer budget of $1 million.