James “Eddie” Sims officially resigns after third time as Bonifay mayor

Bonifay Mayor James “Eddie” Sims handed in his official resignation letter to the City of Bonifay Thursday.

A copy of the letter was disseminated at a city council special meeting held Thursday evening, and the council unanimously approved the acceptance of the resignation.

“Over the past several months the City has made changes in personnel, elected officials, services for the citizens as well as provided a financial base for City operations that is positive for our City government,” Sims said in the letter. “The City is in great shape with employees that care about their job, money in the bank to pay the bills and with reserve funds.”

Sims went on to list other accomplishments with city staffing in place and coordination among city and county agencies to bring improvements to the community.

“Several months ago, I told my family that once the city was in great shape I would retire as Mayor,” Sims continued in the letter. “Well, the City is in great shape so, for the third time, I retire as Mayor of the City of Bonifay effective August 25, 2022 at noon.”

Vice-Mayor Travis Cook led the council meeting in Sims’ place. Sims moved to appoint Cook to the position in May, and it passed with a unanimous vote.

No action was taken to swear in a new mayor in the special meeting. This item will be on the agenda for the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.

Check back for a full story on other business covered in the special meeting.