David Tellor resigns as mayor of Anna Hartline will fill post until election

The mayor of Union County's largest community unexpectedly resigned this week.

The resignation of Anna Mayor Dave Tellor was announced Tuesday night.

Tellor's resignation was announced at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Anna City Council. The meeting was at Anna City Hall.

Announcement of the resignation came following a closed session of the city council which lasted for about 40 minutes.

Press release regarding resignation read

Following the closed session, city clerk Chris Jones read the following press release to a handful of people who were at the meeting:

Longtime Anna city official Dave Tellor has regretfully and unexpectedly submitted his letter of resignation as mayor of the City of Anna, effective immediately, citing personal and health reasons.

Tellor had previously served as an Anna city commissioner since 1985 before being elected mayor in 2007.

In his letter of resignation addressed to the citizens of Anna, Tellor stated his resignation was "with a heavy heart" because he was proud of Anna, the city is in good financial condition, city government is operating smoothly and effectively, and the city continues to grow and prosper.

However, after being involved in city government for some 24 years, Tellor said it was simply time to focus more on maintaining his good health and his family.

"I want to thank both the past and present employees, as well as all of those who worked with the city, for their hard work and efforts in making our city a great place to live, work and raise our families," Tellor said.

"And I also want to sincerely thank the citizens who have supported me in the past. I wish our city well in the future and may God bless each of you in the days ahead," Tellor added.

After acting on Tellor's resignation at its meeting on May 5, the city council will consider appointing one of the current city commissioners to serve as mayor pro-tem throughout  the remainder of Tellor's term, which expires on April 30, 2011.

The current city commissioners are Steve Hartline, David Isom, Ron Stamp and Cindy Swope, all of whose terms also expire in 2011.

Council action follows

After Jones read the press release, the city council unanimously approved the mayor's resignation.

Council member Ron Stamp then made a motion that Steve Hartline be appointed as mayor pro tem. Stamp said he based his motion on Hartline's experience. Hartline formerly served as mayor.

On a 3-0 vote, the council approved Hartline's appointment as mayor pro tem.

With Hartline now serving in the mayoral post, the council will next consider on filling his post as a city council member.

Hartline praised Tellor's service.

"It's been a privilege to serve with Dave," Hartline said. "He was dedicated to the city. He had the city at heart at all times. We wish him the best."

Tellor was not present at Tuesday night's meeting.