Mayor Nancy McFarlane is recovering from back surgery and will be out for several weeks, Mayor Pro Tem Corey Branch announced Tuesday. McFarlane, who announced earlier this year she would not seek reelection, has not been present at the last few council meetings.
“Her initial surgery was routine in nature, however her recovery has taken longer than anticipated. The mayor and her family continue to work with her medical team, and anticipate she will make a full recovery,” Branch said. “She is in good spirits and anticipates returning to her normal duties within a few weeks.”
McFarlane’s health issues have been ongoing for several months. Branch says he expects to oversee the Council meetings through at least the end of the month.
McFarlane’s absence means she will likely miss several critical votes, including which architect will design the new civic campus project and rules for mobile retail and homestays, commonly known as Airbnb.
Councilor Stef Mendell wished McFarlane a speedy recovery.
“I’m really sorry that she’s having health problems,” Mendell said. “I’m sure she’s very frustrated and discouraged by that, but hopefully she’ll be on the mend soon and back in her chair soon. I wish her all the best.”
Councilor Dickie Thompson was also absent from Tuesday’s city council meeting.
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