Gig Harbor Mayor Tracie Markley resigned her position Monday, citing “serious health issues” that her family has faced recently, according to a city press release.
“It has become clear that my focus must be on my family’s immediate needs,” Markley wrote in the release. “So, after much prayerful consideration, I have decided it is best to step away at this time.”
Council member Brenda Lykins was selected Jan. 22 to serve as mayor pro tempore by the Gig Harbor City Council. The mayor pro tempore takes on the duties of the mayor in his or her absence.
“The mayor pro tempore remains a voting member of the city council while presiding over council meetings and does not have the authority to appoint or remove city officers and employees, to veto ordinances, to adopt or repeal administrative procedures, or to reorganize the administration of the city,” the release said.
The mayor pro tempore may serve as mayor for a maximum of six months, according to the Revised Code of Washington . Lykins will serve until the City Council appoints a replacement to serve the rest of Markley’s term until the Nov. 4, 2025 election.