Sylvester Turner sworn in as Houston's 62nd mayor

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Sylvester Turner was sworn in as the city of Houston's 62nd mayor in a private ceremony at City Hall Saturday morning.

Turner placed his hand on a well-worn Bible that he used during his time in the Texas Legislature. His daughter was at his side.

The city says the private ceremony was necessary in order to meet the legal requirements of the City Charter, which mandate the transfer of power must occur on January 2. Turner was able to meet the requirements and avoid the overtime costs that the city would have been subjected to from having to call in police and other city employees to provide the services required.

"This was a decision based on financial concerns," Turner said. "We always have to be mindful of the bottom line."

A pre-inaugural celebration is planned for 4:30-6:30pm Sunday at the Historic Market Square Park. The event is free and open to the public.

The public inaugural ceremony for Mayor Turner will take place at 9:30am Monday. ABC13 will provide live coverage on-air and online of the event in its entirety.