MADISON, Fla. (WTXL) — In a surprise move, Madison Mayor Byron Poore resigned effective immediately, saying he could no longer remain in office while the city failed to move forward on critical issues.
- Mayor Byron Poore resigned effective immediately after just four months in the role.
- Poore had planned to resign later this year due to a potential conflict of interest.
- Watch the video below to hear why Poore says he decided to resign now.
Madison mayor resigns suddenly citing city’s lack of progress
UPDATED BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
A surprise resignation shakes up city leadership in Madison
“I stepped into being a commissioner in hopes that I could bring about positive change in some areas,” former Mayor of Madison Byron Poore said.
I’m Lentheus Chaney in the Madison neighborhood, speaking with former Mayor Byron Poore, who says he could no longer stand by while the city failed to move forward.
Poore submitted his resignation Wednesday, effective immediately.
He had served as a city commissioner for more than three years before the commission unanimously elected mayor in March.
Poore is also a financial advisor and planner with Madison County Community Bank. He initially planned to step down later this year to avoid a potential conflict of interest. After the most recent commission meeting, he says he could no longer wait.
"Commissioners that have been around for a very long time were not willing to see things work a different way, and so once I became clear that I was not gonna be able to make more meaningful change, I just felt it was best to get out of the way,” Poore said.
Poore broke down his concerns with me on a whiteboard in his office.
He says the city’s enterprise fund brings in a 35 to 40 percent profit each year. The money is used to cover a roughly $1 million deficit in the general fund.
Poor says that at the most recent commission meeting, he proposed shifting fire department responsibility and expenses to the county, freeing up funds for sewer and water infrastructure improvements.
But he says the commission wouldn’t consider it.
He also pointed to the city’s automatic 5% yearly increase on utility bills, with little to show in return for residents.
Madison’s interim city manager, Doug Brown, who’s served since February, says he didn’t see the resignation coming. But with so many rapid leadership changes, he believes the city will handle it appropriately.
"Having the mayor and city council member resign adds to the uncertainty but it’s something that we can deal with,” Brown said.
Madison city commissioners are scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss next steps, including how to fill the mayor’s seat.
In Madison, I’m Lentheus Chaney, ABC27.
Original:
The search is on for a new mayor in the City of Madison after Byron Poore stepped down.
In his resignation letter last week, Poore resigned immediately.
In his resignation letter, Poore said he planned his departure around selecting a new city manager, "I am confident the process is in capable hands. I believe a strong candidate will emerge and be selected."
Poore said he is pursuing professional opportunities that wouldn't allow him to fulfill his role. He also leaves his position as county commissioner for District 4.
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