Lenoir City businessman Jimmy Wilburn was sworn in as the city's new recorder/treasurer Friday following the recent resignation of Bobby Johnson Jr.

"It's going to be challenging, it's going to be fun," Wilburn said. "I've never really been in politics before."

As far as what he thinks he can bring to the position, Wilburn said he did not know yet. "I'm just now getting my feet wet," he said, adding the job is a good birthday present, as he'll start Monday, the day after his birthday.

"I'm sure that Jim will serve the city well," said his wife Phyllis Wilburn.

Wilburn left the hardware retail buisness around 10 years ago and currently manages rental property.

"He is a well-liked, well-respected, very successful businessman, and I know that he will bring with him a wealth of expertise to the office of city recorder," Mayor Tony Aikens said in a statement.