Ione mayor steps down

IONE – Eva Marie Warren has resigned her position as mayor of Ione, citing health concerns.

“I have been battling an ongoing worsening medical condition for over two years,” Warren wrote in her July 3 letter of resignation. “At the strong urging of my doctors, I am resigning the mayor position of Ione.”

According to Mayor pro-tem Michael Shipley, the council has 90 days to appoint a mayor. Whoever is appointed will serve through the end of Warren’s term, Dec. 21, 2025.

“We’ll probably open it up to the public,” he said. “We feel the people of the town have to have a say.”

If the council doesn’t appoint a mayor in 90 days, the county commissioners can appoint one.

“If they don’t do it, then the governor is going to fill the spot,” Shipley said. “I wouldn’t recommend that.”

The council asked for letters of interest for the position from both councilmembers and the public who are interested in being mayor.