BLAND — During an unorthodox board reorganization, the Bland aldermen on April 10 skipped a few steps and reorganized their board prior to new members being sworn in or re-sworn in, and appointed Ron Schafferkoetter to mayor.

Former mayor Kenny Sullinger, who has been absent for the last three meetings due to illness, submitted his intent to resign on April 3. Schafferkoetter, who tied with incumbent Alderman Jim Carpenter for the second at-large seat, submitted his intentions on April 9 to succeed his claim due to health reasons.

However, at the beginning of the Monday night meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Merrilee Spurgeon declared the vacancy, and rather than wait for the board reorganization, Alderman Matt Dittman made a motion to appoint Schafferkoetter into the position.

“I know you stated your intentions to step down,” Spurgeon said to Schafferkoetter. “Is this something you can put time into? How long will you be able to sit in the position?”

Spurgeon pointed out that it has a one-year remaining term.

Schafferkoetter didn’t respond but allowed the vote to proceed.

Spurgeon voted no because Schafferkoetter had already stated his intentions to leave the board. Carpenter and Dittman both voted yes for a 2-1 vote.

Joe Ridener, who had the most votes for the two open seats (24 or 32 percent of the vote) wasn’t sworn in until the end of the meeting. Carpenter and Schafferkoetter were also sworn in during the same time, according to the agenda.