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.