When the Mayor is absent from the municipality or is unable for any cause to perform his or her duties, the President Pro Tempore of the Council shall be acting Mayor. In case of the death, resignation or removal of the Mayor, the President Pro Tempore shall become the Mayor and shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified. The successor shall be elected to the office for the unexpired term at the first regular municipal election that occurs more than 40 days after the vacancy has occurred, except that when the unexpired term ends within one year immediately following the date of the election, an election to fill the unexpired term shall not be held and the President of the Council shall hold the office for the unexpired term.
(R.C. § 733.25)