BELLE  — The Belle Board of Aldermen voted unanimously during a special meeting on July 28 to appoint Daryl White, Jr. to fill the vacancy left by former mayor Josh Seaver.

“After talking to the Missouri Municipal League (MML) this week, after Josh’s resignation; we determined, even with a mayor pro tem, we still have a mayor’s seat that’s vacant,” began White. “At this point, we’d like to fill the mayor’s seat. Does anybody have any questions?”

White then told the board that, after his discussion with Stuart Haynes at MML, he learned that the city could continue with three aldermen and a mayor, or they could appoint someone and have a full board.

 “Stuart said that it’s really up to us but if we wanted to appoint the mayor we can get back to a full board. He said he didn’t really have a recommendation either way,” said White.

Alderman Jeanette Struemph asked, “Daryl, on that note, if you are willing would you agree to be our mayor until the next municipal election?”

“I would,” he responded.

“I make that motion then,” said Struemph.

Alderman Kayla Bray quickly added, “I second it.”

The board then voted unanimously in favor of him taking the position.

“Thank you for your guys’ trust. I appreciate it,” said White. “At this point, I would like to resign my alderman seat now. Do you guys want to fill the alderman seat now or do you want to advertise it?”

The board decided to advertise the newly vacated seat and will make an appointment on Aug. 9 during the next regularly scheduled meeting. Those interested in serving on the board will have until 5 p.m. on Aug. 8 to include their name for consideration on the list at city hall. 

 White, who had been appointed to the board on May 10 to fill the empty alderman seat that Ken Stanfield resigned, previously served from 2003-06 as mayor for the city of Belle.