The mayoral seat in the City of Cortland is now empty after a special election to remove Deidre Petrosky. It will take a week to certify those results and until then no one will hold the position.

“It is unprecedented but I want to assure everyone that the city will continue. They will not see any degradation of services,” Kevin Piros, Councilman in the City of Cortland said. 

Once it’s official, council will appoint one of its current members to serve as mayor for the remainder of the term until December of 2027. Petrosky was also holding the role as safety service director. The new mayor will also hold that role temporarily until it's filled.

“We’ve had a couple of interviews, been unsuccessful so we have to go out and we're going to revise our job posting,” Piros said. 

After the election Petrosky told 21 News in a statement, “I’m grateful for the time and opportunity I had to serve the people of the city of Cortland. It has been an honor and a privilege.”

When asked if she will consider another role with the city in the future she stated “I know God has plans for me, but I’m going to take some time to rest and to pray about it.”

The election came after petitioners alleged Petrosky was misusing city funds and bullying city workers - both of which she has denied.

Cortland resident Gerry Bayus helped start the petition and believes Petrosky should have resigned in August and not put the residents through this.

In the meantime, council members do have the power to come together to make decisions for the residents but councilman Piros feels it won't be necessary.

“The city will continue to function as it always has,” Piros said.

The Trumbull County Board of Elections will certify the special election results Tuesday, Feb. 10. No official date has been set for when council members will have their meeting to choose a new mayor.