The Mayor of New Franklin has resigned. Newt Arbogast announced at the regular meeting of the city council on Monday, July 12, that he will step down effective July 30. Ward 2 Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem, Robbie Harvey, will take over as mayor in August.

The council voted 4-0, with some reluctance, to accept the resignation. Aldermen Seth Hallowell and James Painter were not present. It will now fall to Harvey to appoint someone to fill his vacancy as Ward 2 Alderman.

Arbogast was elected mayor in April 2019 after he narrowly defeated incumbent Jerry B. Thornton 105-96.

During Monday’s meeting Arbogast read aloud a letter addressed to citizens of New Franklin, board of alderpersons, and city staff, in which he stated that he no longer has the necessary amount of time to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the office of mayor. “During my short time as mayor, I’ve carefully tried to balance the needs of the community, the needs of my family, and the needs of my other full-time job,” he said.

Arbogast said that before he was elected mayor, the city’s financial situation was dire, but despite the odds, the city has had some successful moments. “We changed the financial situation of the city for the better. We currently have a positive balance sheet. We’re finally to a point where we can start to save some money for improvements around town. We’re not completely out of the woods yet by any means but we’re financially better off than we were a few short years ago.”

Mayor Arbogast cited the city’s recent partnership with the Howard County Sheriff’s Department as a positive change to for New Franklin. The arrangement saves the city around $40,000 a year while providing more consistent law enforcement, he said.

Arbogast added that there is still much to do in the community. “There are many infrastructure projects that need to be completed, especially related to roads, sidewalks, sewers, and water. We’ve got some city buildings that will require maintenance in the not-too-distant future as well. There are some vacant administrative positions and boards that will need to be filled at some point also soon.”

Arbogast said that he plans to meet with Mayor Pro Tem Harvey during the next few weeks to discuss ongoing projects and concerns, and to ensure an orderly and smooth transition. He thanked the members of the city council, as well as City Administrator and Clerk Melissa Crowley, City Collector Lydia Sartain, and City Attorney Greg Robinson for their support. “If it wasn’t for them and their support, I don’t know what I would have done. The city is fortunate enough to have some great people leading the way for each of their respective wards, and I’ve enjoyed working with each and every one of you, past and present.

“It’s truly been an honor to serve as your mayor in the town that I’m from and grew up in. My hope is that someday in the future I can serve the city of New Franklin and the public again,” Arbogast said.