Athens mayor resigns

ATHENS — Monte Montgomery submitted his resignation as mayor of Athens Friday, June 4, “effective immediately,” according to the city’s Facebook page. The move follows Montgomery’s arrest in Gregg County for online solicitation of a minor, as reported earlier by our news partner KETK. The arrest was part of a multi-agency sting. The 63-year-old’s bond was set at $300,000 surety with conditions, and he bonded out a short time later.

The Facebook post continues, “According to the City Charter, as stated in Section 3: ‘Any vacancy or vacancies occurring in the city council shall be filled by appointment of a majority vote of the remaining city council within thirty (30) days, which person or persons so appointed shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term for the place or places to which such appointment shall be made.’ We continue to be shocked and grieved by the developments of the past 24 hours. Our primary responsibility is to the citizens of Athens and the betterment of our community.”