Statesboro City Councilman Tommy Blitch, who announced Aug. 21 that health concerns would force him to vacate his District 1 seat early, will continue to serve through September.
Mayor Joe Brannen said Tuesday that Blitch’s retirement will be effective, officially, at the end of the month.
The timing of Blitch’s retirement eliminates the option for a November election, meaning the soon-to-be-vacated council seat will remain empty until early next year.
“Once the seat is vacated, we will call a meeting to call a special election to fill the spot,” Brannen said. “The election will be held on the third Tuesday in March.”
A qualifying period for prospective candidates will be held in early January, City Clerk Sue Starling said.
The retirement date will come nearly one month too late for officials to conduct a November election.
Had Blitch resigned effective immediately, an election could have been called for this week, making possible a November vote. An election must be called 29 days before the vote.
According to Brannen, city staff felt the deadline was too tight, considering that U.S. Department of Justice approval — which can take several weeks — would be required to move a city polling location before the election.
“We looked into the idea of (pushing for a November election),” Brannen said. “But we would have had to go to DOJ because, from what I understand, we want to move a voting location from William James Educational Complex to Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
“I’m not saying it could not have been done,” he said. “But we decided to go ahead and proceed with a March election date.”
Despite his maintaining office for another month, Blitch’s seat will likely be empty beginning today.
Brannen said Blitch is not expected to attend either of September’s meetings.
“I hate to do it,” Blitch said, about stepping down. “But my health is bad and I’m afraid I can’t hold out. The right thing to do is just to go ahead and go.”
Council is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. today in City Hall.

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.