TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — Terre Alta town council has appointed a new mayor and recorder in an emergency meeting Thursday.
Former mayor Dan Hauger and former recorder Mikaela Bernard each resigned after the town failed to submit their budget to state officials on time. The late submission jeopardizes their ability to collect taxes and deliver services for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Councilors have selected James Tasker to serve as mayor and Jason Verbonitz to serve as recorder through July 1.
The Terre Alta municipal election is June 10.
On the June 10 ballot, Hauger is the only candidate for mayor. If he were to be reelected he would resign again and allow the town council to appoint the next mayor.
There are two other candidates on the ballot for recorder, but if Bernard wins she also would resign and allow town council to appoint her successor.
Current town clerk Kambra Sisler said the budget was submitted to the state on May 23 and has confirmation it was received. However, she has not received confirmation the budget is being processed.
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR