(a) Notwithstanding G.S. 160A-70, at the organizational meeting following each town election, the council member who received the highest number of votes for four-year terms at the regular municipal election held two years previously shall become mayor pro tempore, to serve until the next organizational meeting or until the person ceases to be a member of the council, whichever comes first.
(b) If, however, the person who received the highest number of votes is no longer a member of the council at the time that person would assume the office of mayor pro tempore under subsection (a) of this section, the person with the next highest number of votes at that election shall become mayor pro tempore.
This act became effective with the first organizational meeting following the enactment of this bill. This bill was enacted June 21, 1996.