The City of Marshall has clarified a decision by its city council on Monday, April 18.

After adjournment to Sine Die, and reopening the meeting with the Oath of Office being administered to its new and returning council members, Mayor Dewey Hendrix announced his appointment to fill his open seat in Ward 1.

Hendrix announced his recommendation to appoint outgoing Ward 1 Councilman Leon Thompson- which drew the ire from some in attendance- to fill out the remainder of Hendrix’s term- which is up in April 2023. Hendrix pointed out that Thompson will be a big asset to the city with his knowledge of the budget.

It also was pointed out that current Marshall Municipal Utilities’ Board of Public Works’ President Ken Bryant had submitted a letter of interest.

Ward 3 Councilman Dan Brandt agreed with Hendrix and made a motion to approve the appointment of Thompson.

The motion received a second.

The actual vote was four to two in favor of the appointment.

After the vote, KMMO asked if it would require another affirmative vote by the council to make it official, and the answer was “yes”.

However, according to a letter from the city, since a vote was taken, it is binding- and a second approval is not necessary. Thompson will serve in the seat until the next Municipal Election in April 2023.