Hopkinsville City Council will begin the process of choosing an interim mayor in about two weeks as Mayor Carter Hendricks departs to begin duties as executive director of the local economic development council.
City Attorney Doug Willen outlined the selection process during last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting, noting that while the mayor leaves at the end of the month, the vacancy doesn’t become official until the first time City Council meets February 4.
He says council members must elect a presiding officer for its meetings without a mayor.
If a councilmember serves as interim mayor, Willen reminds that council will then have to fill the vacancy on its own body.
Whoever is chosen will serve until a new mayor is elected in November.
If Hopkinsville City Council fails to act within 30 days, then Governor Andy Beshear would have authority to appoint an interim mayor.