LOUISIANA, Mo. — The Louisiana City Council will be looking to fill the mayor’s seat for the remainder of Marvin Brown’s term following his resignation on Wednesday, Oct 21.

Brown told Eagle 102 News that he was forced to leave the office due to health concerns.

“(I’ve) been in the hospital with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, on oxygen, going on two weeks now and probably have a couple of more weeks to go,” Brown explained.

He noted that he has not received a diagnosis of COVID-19, but will not be able to gamble with a possible exposure once he recovers.

“(The) only way to do that is withdrawing from my public involvements,” Brown stated.

The council scheduled a special meeting for Saturday, Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the matter of filling the mayor’s seat.

Brown was elected as mayor in April 2018, after serving several years on the city council. His term was not due to expire until 2022. The mayor pro tem will temporarily take on the duties until the council approves an individual to serve in the interim.

Brown noted that he wasn’t able to accomplish what he felt the city could benefit from most during his time, particularly in terms of revenue.

“I hope someone will reprise the discussion on a property tax increase that pretty well got stifled by COVID. The thing I have enjoyed most is getting to know city employees. They are fantastic dedicated individuals,” Brown noted.