WILLIAMSPORT, OH — The Williamsport Village Council is facing significant leadership vacancies after two council members submitted their resignations following a contentious regular council meeting on September 8, 2026.
Council President Pro Tempore Richard Watkins stepped down publicly on September 10, 2026, stating that his resignation stems directly from a fellow council member’s alleged use of a derogatory racial slur during the meeting.
“I cannot serve with a person who uses derogatory racial and harsh language towards our residents, the very people that elected us to represent them,” Watkins stated. “I will not be associated with Council members using racial slurs and disrespectful language.”
Watkins noted that the individual involved refused to admit to or take responsibility for the language used. He also addressed community concerns regarding village transparency, clarifying that recent delays in releasing meeting minutes were caused by an email routing error rather than intentional withholding, and denied rumors of unscheduled “secret meetings.”
A second council member also submitted a resignation during the fallout, leaving two seats on the six-member legislative body vacant.
The abrupt departures leave the remaining council members tasked with filling both open seats. Under Ohio municipal law, the remaining village council members typically have 30 days to accept applications, conduct interviews, and vote on appointment candidates to serve out the unexpired terms. If council fails to fill the vacancies within that period, the mayor will hold the authority to appoint the replacement members.
To be eligible for appointment, candidates must be registered voters and have resided within the Village of Williamsport for at least one year.
Village officials have not yet announced the schedule for special meetings or the formal application deadline for residents interested in serving on council.
