FORD COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Melvin Village President resigned Monday, citing disagreements and issues with village staff.

Austin Fancher was elected to a four-year term in April. WCIA’s partners at the Ford County Chronicle reported that Fancher told the Chronicle that his ideas were being met with “resistance” by village employees, and that ideas were being hid from both him and the village board.

Because of these issues, he resigned, effective immediately.

Fancher told the Ford County Chronicle that his goal was to do what was best for the town — but he and some of the staff didn’t always agree.

“I’m 33. I looked at this to be a pretty long-term thing, but I don’t think Melvin’s ready. I thought they were, but I don’t think Melvin’s ready for a 33-year-old mayor with different visions for the town. I want to resuscitate the town, but it seems like the general population, they don’t want that,” Fancher told the Chronicle.

Now, the village board will appoint Fancher’s successor; whoever is appointed will serve until 2027. Fancher is recommending that Trustee Amber Hoffmann take over.

“I have full confidence in her ability to serve the village with the integrity and leadership it deserves,” Fancher said in his resignation letter to the board.

The board could approve an appointment at its next monthly meeting on Aug. 12 or at an earlier special meeting.

Visit the Ford County Chronicle online to learn more.