At the Hillsboro City Council meeting Tuesday, October 11, the council addressed an ordinance that defines which commissioner would take over as Mayor Pro-Tem in the event that the Mayor is unable to perform his or her duties.

Under the ordinance, the Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements serves as the Mayor Pro-Tem. However, as Mayor Brian Sullivan stated, in the past, the Commissioner of Finance has more commonly held the position.

"The finance commissioner has the best handle on the stability of the city and what's going on within the city. They also have certain powers that no other commissioner has, like signing checks and certain things like that that the mayor does. It makes the most sense for that person to step into it."

Commissioner Don Downs expressed his opposition, citing logistical reasons.

"What if the finance commissioner at some point and time worked on the other side of St. Louis? I'm just trying to make it to where it's more functional."

Mayor Sullivan said he understood Downs's concerns, and if the council would rather it be done another way, they could explore that. The council voted on the Mayor's appointment, and the motion passed 3 to 1 with Commissioner Downs being the lone "no" vote.