ARTICLE II: GOVERNING BODY

   Section 2.1.  Mayor and Council; Composition.  The Mayor and the Council shall be the governing body of the Town.

   Section 2.2.  Councilpersons; Terms of Office.  Until the organizational meeting following the 1995 regular municipal election, the Council shall be composed of three members elected at large by all the qualified voters of the Town for four year staggered terms or until their successors are elected and qualified.  Beginning with the organizational meeting following the 1995 regular municipal elections, the Council shall be composed of five members elected at large by all the qualified voters of the Town for four year staggered terms or until their successors are elected and qualified.

   Section 2.3.  Mayor; Term of Office; Duties.  The Mayor shall be elected by all the qualified voters of the Town for a term of four years or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.  The Mayor shall be the official head of the Town government and preside at meetings of the governing body, shall have the right to vote only when there is an equal division on any question or matter before the Council, and shall exercise the powers and duties conferred by law or as directed by the Council.

   Section 2.4.  Mayor Pro Tempore.  The Council shall elect one of its members as Mayor Pro Tempore to perform the duties of the Mayor during his or her absence or disability, in accordance with general law.  The Mayor Pro Tempore shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Council.

   Section 2.5.  Meetings.  In accordance with general law, the Council shall establish a suitable time and place for its regular meetings.  Special and emergency meetings may be held as provided by general law.

   Section 2.6.  Voting Requirements; Quorum.  Official actions of the Council and all votes shall be taken in accordance with the applicable provisions of general law, particularly G.S. 160A-75.  The quorum provisions of G.S. 160A-74 shall apply.

   Section 2.7.  Compensation; Qualifications for Office; Vacancies.  The compensation and qualifications of the Mayor and Councilmembers shall be fixed in accordance with general law.  Vacancies that occur in any elective office of the Town shall be filled by appointment as provided by G.S. 160A-63.