Humboldt mayor resigns amidst talk of recall
Rathbone says Humboldt would face expense of third recall election in four years
By News Channel NebraskaHUMBOLDT - The Richardson County elections reports the resignation of Humboldt mayor Ron Rathbone.
In a letter, Rathbone notified council president Rhonda Dettmer of his resignation on Dec. 22.
At a Dec. 18 meeting, Mayor Rathbone said he was aware there was a recall effort against him. He said there was also talk of recalling some city council members.
Rathbone spoke against recalls and the unbudgeted expense they bring.
Rathbone: “This has gone far enough. We don’t need any more recalls in this town. This will be the third recall in four years of the city paying. It’s ridiculous.”
The mayor said Mary White has been involved in the recalls, but White said she is not involved in the most recent recall.
Rathbone: “It is what it is. I think we’re doing a pretty decent job here. A good job. I appreciate what the council does.”
Rathbone was elected in November 2022 to succeed Bob Mendenhall, who had faced a recall election. Voters retained Mendenhall, but he chose not to seek re-election.
Rathbone campaigned on improved communications between city officials and citizens and the clean up of various properties.
At the Dec. 18 meeting, Rhonda Dettmer was re-elected council president after several motions with no second, a five-minute break and a tied vote broken by Rathbone.