Jackson Commission To Determine Next Step For Mayor

The Jackson County Commission will have to work together to appoint a new mayor who will serve the rest of former County Mayor Randy Heady’s term.

Election Administrator Drew McMillan said the new mayor does not have to be a current member of the commission. McMillan said the only requirements are that the new mayor is at least twenty-five years old, has been a resident in the county for at least a year, and is a qualified voter.

“They would just pick up the rest of the term,” McMillan said. “And they would be in talk with our state representatives and legislature and everything like that to try to get the ball rolling there.”

McMillan said multiple county commissioners have reached out to him to discuss the process but there is not yet a timeline in place to choose a new mayor. McMillan said the appointee will serve until a new mayor is elected in 2026.

“The county’s definitely going to lose a lot with Mayor Heady being gone,” McMillan said. “I think it will definitely be a learning experience for whoever comes in and just try to pick up what Mayor Heady has instilled and laid the foundation (for).”

Commissioner Jeff Smallwood said the commission does not have any plans in place to replace Heady yet. Smallwood said there will be more discussion about what to do at the commission’s next regular meeting.

“Right now the focus is more on his wife, children, his family,” Smallwood said. “There’s plenty of time for the other in days to come.”

Commissioner Troy York said it is too early to address the issue but it will be handled as soon as possible.

“I don’t think that we expected this and when something’s unexpected as this has happens it’s a little soon to be discussing that right this moment,” York said.