Crosby To Remain Mayor To Avoid Cost of Election

KINGSLAND - Mayor Sharon Crosby has rescinded the letter of resignation she submitted during last Thursday's Kingsland City Council meeting after learning that the city would have to pay for a special election to replace her, something she said she believes the city cannot afford to do.During last Thursday's council meeting, Crosby submitted a letter of resignation effective April 30. She said her intentions were to give anyone interested in completing her term enough time to send in resumes for the job. The city council would consider those applicants during its April meeting and the council would then select someone to serve as mayor.However, after more closely examining the state law regarding a vacancy in the mayor's office on Friday, it was noted that state law requires a city to hold a special election if the unexpired term of the mayor that is leaving is greater than one year. Crosby's term does end until Dec. 31, 2026.Arkansas Code 14, subsection 14-43-401, states "In case of the mayor's death, disability, resignation, or other vacation of his or her office, the city 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 (1) year. Otherwise, an election shall be ordered in accordance with the laws of the state." Since the remainder of Crosby's term is greater than a year, that would mean the city would have to hold a special election to replace, costing several thousands of dollars to do so. She said she did not think the city could afford to do that.Crosby came into office through an appointment by the city council in August 2022 after former mayor Luke Neal decided to resign. Neal's term was ending on Dec. 31, 2022....