In a special meeting Tuesday night, the Bull Shoals City Council accepted the resignation of Mayor Michael Savu, with three votes for, three votes against, and the deciding vote to accept his resignation coming from City Recorder Tina Bailey. Bailey, by Arkansas Code, will serve as interim mayor until a replacement is found.
Additional information on why Savu resigned has not been released. His resignation letter states:
“Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as mayor of the City of Bull Shoals, Arkansas effective immediately. Due to matters beyond my control, I will no longer be able to fulfill my, mayoral responsibilities. I would like to thank the citizens of Bull Shoals for allowing me to serve as mayor. Respectfully, Michael Savu.”
Savu’s resignation was effective immediately.
During a heated discussion amongst citizens, the council attempted to decide whether the next mayor would be appointed to carry out Savu’s remaining two and a half year term or if a special election would be held. Bailey stated the last special election held cost the city $11,000.
Throughout the meeting, many citizens voiced their concern and desire to hold a special election.
According to Arkansas Municipal Code, the council, by vote of a majority of all its members, may appoint some other person to act until the expiration of his or her term or disability if the unexpired term of his or her office is less than one year. Otherwise, an election shall be ordered in accordance with the laws of the state. This must be decided at the next regular council meeting.
When the matter brought the vote, the council was divided on appointment and special election, with the deciding vote coming down to Bailey. Bailey made the decision to table the matter until the next regular council meeting, scheduled for next Thursday, to allow for citizens to voice their opinions to their elected council members.
The next Bull Shoals City Council meeting in regular session is scheduled for next Thursday at 6:30 in the Bull Shoals City Hall.
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