WHITWELL, Tenn. -- A string of resignations over the last six months has left Whitwell's Board of Commissioners without a quorum.
As a consequence, the city will suspend commission meetings until after results of a special election on May 4 are confirmed sometime in mid-May.
The most recent resignation came last week, when Mayor Chris Morrison formally submitted his letter of resignation to City Manager Charles Tucker.
Mr. Morrison, 45, who as mayor was a voting member of the Whitwell Board of Commissioners, said that he had been working for the city in some capacity for approximately 20 years.
"I'm burnt out on this," said Mr. Morrison. "I'd like to fade away and let somebody else do this for a while. (Resignation) is something I've been trying to find the right timing for, but if I kept waiting, I'd never do it."
Mr. Morrison also said that he wants to spend more time with his family -- his two children are playing baseball this spring. He had said earlier he would not seek re-election after his term expired next year.
Mr. Morrison's resignation leaves the Whitwell Board of Commissioners with only two voting members. Former vice mayor Jean Roundtree is now the mayor. The other commissioner is Doug Harris, who was elected in November 2008.
Ms. Roundtree was appointed after former vice mayor Jim Nunley resigned in November.
Commissioner Margaret "Shorty" Tucker resigned late last year because of illness.
Then, in February, Commissioner William "Booger" Harris announced that he was stepping down.
"I am getting tired of fighting a losing battle," Mr. Harris told the local newspaper at the time. "We're just going from day to day here."
After the May 4 special election, state law requires county election commissions to complete the verification of votes within 20 days of an election.
"Once the results are certified we'll call a meeting," Mr. Tucker said.
According to Marion County Election Commission records, Whitwell residents Harry M. Holland, Bobby L. Perkins and Wayne Powell are seeking two vacant seats on the city's board. The two top vote-getters will fill the positions.