(A) Election. The Mayor shall be elected by the voters of each city at a regular election. A candidate for Mayor shall be a resident of the city for not less than one year prior to his or her election. His or her term of office shall begin on the first day of January following his or her election and shall be for four years and until his or her successor qualifies. If a person is elected or appointed as Mayor in response to a vacancy and serves less than four calendar years, then that period of service shall not be considered for purposes of re-election a term of office. A Mayor shall be at least 21 years of age, shall be a qualified voter in the city, and shall reside in the city throughout his or her term of office. (KRS 83A.040(1))
(B) Vacancy.
(1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Commission shall fill the vacancy within 30 days. (KRS 83A.040(2)(a))
(2) The legislative body shall elect from among its members an individual to preside over meetings of the legislative body during any vacancy in the office of Mayor in accordance with the provisions of KRS 83A.130 to 83A.150. (KRS 83A.040(2)(d))
(3) When voting to fill the vacancy created by a resignation of a Mayor the resigning Mayor shall not vote on his successor. (KRS 83A.040(3))
(4) If for any reason, any vacancy in the office of Mayor is not filled within 30 days after it occurs, the Governor shall promptly fill the vacancy by appointment of a qualified person who shall serve for the same period as if otherwise appointed. (KRS 83A.040(6))
(5) No vacancy by reason of voluntary resignation in the office of Mayor shall occur unless a written resignation which specifies a resignation date is tendered to the Commission. The resignation may be submitted through electronic mail if it originates from the official’s electronic mail address and includes also the official’s handwritten signature. The resignation shall be effective at the next regular or special meeting of the Commission occurring on or after the date specified in the written letter of resignation. If a resignation date is not specified, the written resignation shall be deemed to become effective at the first regular or special meeting of the Commission occurring on or after its receipt. (KRS 83A.040(7))
(6) Pursuant to KRS 118.305(7), if a vacancy occurs which is required by law to be filled temporarily by appointment, the Commission or the Governor, whichever is designated to make the appointment, shall immediately notify in writing both the County Clerk and the Secretary of State of the vacancy. (KRS 83A.040(8))
(C) Powers and duties.
(1) The Mayor shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and may vote in all proceedings.
(2) All bonds, notes, contracts, and written obligations of the city authorized by ordinance or resolution shall be executed by the Mayor on behalf of the city.
(KRS 83A.140(4))
(3) The Mayor shall serve as the ceremonial head of city government. (Ord. 90-04, passed 2-19-90)
(D) Mayor Pro Tem.
(1) The Commission shall designate one City Commissioner to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor Pro Tem shall act for the Mayor whenever the Mayor is unable to attend to the duties of his office and he shall then possess all rights, powers, and duties of Mayor.
(2) If the disability of the Mayor to attend to his duties continues for 60 consecutive days, the office of Mayor may be declared vacant by a majority vote of the Commission membership, and the provisions of division (C) above shall apply.
(KRS 83A.140(4))