Michael Francis, a borough resident for 44 years, was sworn in as mayor of Hopatcong on Thursday.

Francis was chosen by the Republican Committee to complete the term of Sylvia Petillo, who resigned on Nov. 17 after being elected to the Sussex County Board of Freeholders.

Francis leaves a vacant seat on the Borough Council that will also be filled by the Republican Committee.

His term as mayor runs until the end of 2017; Francis did not indicate if he will file to run for the seat in next year’s primary.

Also at Thursday’s special Council meeting, former Vernon mayor Victor Marotta was hired as Hopatcong’s new business administrator.