XENIA — Incumbent Wesley Smith retained his Xenia City Council seat, while challenger Levi Dean was elected for the first time according to unofficial final results Nov. 7.

Dean led with 2,238 votes, and Smith had 1,471 to lead the field of seven vying for two spots.

Billie Carrico received 1,176, former councilmember Eric Winston 804, Edward Council III 417, Dennis Propes 379, and Phillip Renee Shaw 359.

In a questionnaire sent to all candidates, Smith said increasing the city’s tax base and maintaining city services are among the important issues for the city. Council, a long-time Xenia resident, said he is concerned with the city’s finances and said reducing “waste or inappropriate spending and increasing our tax base” are among the top issues facing the city. Dean, a lifelong resident of Xenia, said the city needs to explore alternative ways of increasing revenue instead of raising taxes.

Shaw, who has lived in Xenia for the last 17 years, said the city must work with the schools to make Xenia an attractive place for new businesses and new residents. Winston, who previously served on council for 14 years, said Xenia must increase its population, increase the number of jobs, and improve cultural and recreational offerings. Carrico said a lack of teamwork has cracked the city’s foundation, which makes the city look bad.

Current councilmember Sarah Mays was the only candidate running for mayor as current Mayor Marsha Bayless opted not to seek re-election. Mays, the leading vote-getter when she was elected to council, had 2,955 votes. She will vacate her council seat, which the new council will fill in January.