Wetumpka mayor rescinds resignation after Kay Ivey rescinds state appointment

On Monday night, Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis announced his resignation in front of a large crowd during a Wetumpka City Council Meeting. Less than 24 hours later, he rescinded his resignation.

Willis’ initial decision to resign was due his appointment to serve as Executive Director to Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering made by Gov. Kay Ivey. But according to WFSA, Ivey rescinded her appointment on Tuesday “stating Willis failed to disclose a legal matter while being considering” for the position.

“Anyone seeking to serve in the Ivey Administration must be transparent,“ Ivey’s told WFSA in a written statement. “During the appointment process, Mayor Willis failed to disclose an important, and significant, legal matter which has now come to my attention.”

Willis in turn rescinded his resignation as Wetumpka mayor.

The City of Wetumpka released a statement Tuesday evening addressing the situation.

“After further consideration, Mayor Willis is withdrawing the informal conditional resignation that was previously announced,” the statement read. “Mayor Willis has reconsidered and does not intend to submit a formal resignation. As per the handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers… a contingent resignation (or one effective on a given date) can be withdrawn at any time prior to the effective date or its acceptance by the council, whichever comes first. Neither such contingencies have occurred.”

Wilis was elected to his third term as mayor in November 2016. He had applied to Executive Director of the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering having worked 50 years in the cosmetology and barbering industry.