Want to be City of Dunnellon mayor? Apply by Feb. 27

Nearly a month after Mayor Bill White's unexpected resignation, Dunnellon city officials have advertised the position.

Those seeking the job must be city residents. Applications are due to the clerk's office by noon Feb. 27. Council members are expected to pick someone at their next meeting, slated for March. The council meets once a month.

The new mayor will be required to file a financial disclosure form.

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One candidate so far: Rex Lehmann

Citing health reasons, White abruptly resigned on Jan. 19. The new mayor will serve the remaining two years of White's term. He was elected in 2020.

The mayor has a vote on the five-member council. Before becoming mayor, White, 70, served on council.

At a recent workshop where the subject on how to proceed with the mayor's slot was addressed, council members declined to have a special election, which could cost close to $5,000.

From the workshop, Rex Lehmann expressed his desire to become mayor. According to his resume, received by city officials on Jan. 30, Lehmann was a City of Miami firefighter, worked at the National Health Transportation Ambulance Service, and is self-employed in general building repair/maintenance.

Lehmann said in his resume that he's a "highly experienced public speaker/communication skills," and is "excellent at initializing and completing projects."

Bad timing

The new mayor will arrive at City Hall at a time of uncertainty.

For starters, city officials are trying to establish a payment method for boat ramp launch fees. Secondly, they must figure out whether the police department gets a new building.

Also, city officials must replace two critical staff members: the head of the Public Works Department and a community development director.

White faced a similar problem when he came to City Hall. With the departure of a key staff member, White asked the police chief to help the city with administrative duties.

Options

One council member, Wally Dunn, who's the vice mayor, said he may be tempted to apply for the job of mayor.

Dunn, who won his election last year, said before committing, he wants to "wait and see" who else is vying for the post. The vice mayor said if he sees a good candidate, then he won't apply.

"I haven't made up my mind as yet," Dunn said.

If council members pick Dunn, then he would have to resign his council seat. If his colleagues do not select him, then he would remain on council.

Dunn said if he puts his hat in the ring, then he would recuse himself from voting.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Feb. 27 is deadline for those wanting to become Dunnellon mayor