Mayor Donya Sartor is leaving office amid a city council-ordered financial audit, announcing her departure during Thursday’s special meeting.

🔍 Why It Matters: Residents will experience another leadership transition just two years after electing Sartor as the city’s first Black mayor, raising questions about stability in local government and how city finances have been managed.

💰 What’s Happening: Sartor told residents she wants to cooperate with the audit by stepping down, though she noted no specific allegations of financial misconduct have been made.

Her resignation takes effect April 19
She expressed wanting to preserve her reputation

🔄 Troubled Tenure: Sartor’s brief time in office has been marked by several controversies.

Last fall, she faced accusations about an incident with a police officer that state investigators later dismissed
She made personnel changes in the police department that sparked community debate
Council members previously sought an investigation into claims about her use of power and city resources

⚖️ Between the Lines: Throughout these challenges, Sartor has consistently maintained the allegations were politically motivated attacks on her leadership rather than substantive concerns about her performance.