HOXIE, Ark. — The Hoxie City Council convened a special meeting Thursday to address two leadership vacancies stemming from sudden resignations earlier this week.
Councilman Steve Ditto was named as the city’s new mayor following the departure of former Mayor Tim Taylor. Ditto is set to be sworn in on Friday morning to formally assume his new duties.
To fill the vacancy left by Ditto’s move to mayor, the council voted to appoint Tyler Combs to the open council seat. However, city officials explained the appointment is subject to legal review. The council is consulting with its attorney to clarify whether Combs can assume the role immediately or if the process requires the position to first be publicly advertised.
Officials confirmed that the city will formally advertise an additional open seat to ensure compliance with municipal procedures.
The vacancies arose after a contentious city council meeting Tuesday evening, during which a resident presented financial documents alleging violations of the city’s travel expense limits. According to Hoxie city ordinance, municipal lodging expenses are capped at $107 per day, with food allowances set below $60 per day.
Residents voiced concerns over documents that appeared to show an Airbnb receipt billed to the city for over $1,000 covering a three-night stay. Former Mayor Tim Taylor and another city leader, identified as Decker, submitted their resignations hours after the meeting concluded.
Further developments regarding the legal status of Combs’ appointment are expected following the city’s consultation with legal counsel.