WESSON — Citing work conflicts, Mayor Bill Tigner resignedMonday during a special called meeting at town hall.

“Over the last several months, I’ve been debating somethingthat’s come up with my company,” said Tigner. “They’ve made me anoffer I can’t refuse.”

Tigner works full-time as the head of the North Americandivision of Metso Minerals, a company that manufacturers heavyequipment for recycling.

Beginning in just two weeks, he will set up a similar divisionin South America, requiring him to travel frequently.

“I’m gone three days a week most every week now, but I couldalways fly back, though, if something was happening,” said Tigner,explaining that his travel time will be doubled for the next oneand a half years.

In his almost two years as mayor, Tigner missed just one regularmeeting and one special called meeting, striving to keep hiscampaign promise of being an active town official.

“When I decided to run, one of the things people were concernedwith was how much I travel,” he said. “I’ve made this decision forthe best interest of the town.”

He believes the decision is also beneficial to his wife and twochildren, with whom he wants to spend plenty of time during histrips home.

Ward One Alderman Robert Derrick made a motion to acceptTigner’s resignation, followed by a second from Ward Three AldermanLura Greer and unanimous vote among the other aldermen.

The resignation will be effective Friday, May 23. Greer, whoalso serves as the town’s mayor pro-tem, will serve as acting mayorafter that date and until a special election can be held.

“I think we’ve accomplished a lot in the last two years. I thinkya’ll will accomplish the same, if not a lot more, in the next twoyears,” said Tigner in his remarks to the board.

Although Tigner will no longer be serving as mayor, he askedaldermen if he could continue assisting the town with the effortsto fund and complete the renovation of the Old Wesson School foruse by the Saint Ambrose Leadership College.

“With the money we’ve got and the additional $1 million, we willfinish the Old Wesson School,” he said. “I’d like to volunteer myservices to oversee the additional grant money. I think to stop inthe middle would be detrimental to the project, and not only is itbeneficial to Wesson, but also to the state.”

Derrick said he would like to see Tigner continue his work withOld Wesson School, and Alderman Hollis Cowen thanked him for theaccomplishments already evident at the school.

“I’m glad you came along and got it started. If you hadn’t, itprobably would have fallen in,” said Ward Two Alderman John WelterJr. “I think a lot of you.”

Douglas also thanked Tigner for his efforts in many areas oftown, and Greer took the opportunity to express her appreciationfor his commitment to attending the monthly meetings.

Wesson Fire Chief Randle Drane thanked Tigner for the many wayshe helped the fire department during his tenure, and others in theaudience also offered words of gratefulness.

“Your help has been invaluable and the support of this board hasbeen extremely important,” said Wesson Police Chief LanceFalvey.

The next regularly scheduled meeting set for 7 p.m., June 3.