SOUTH FORK — During the South Fork Town Board meeting on Dec. 14, the board elected Mayor Pro-Tem Tyler Schmidt to replace Mayor Rodney Reed.

According to South Fork Town Manager Dan Hicks, Mayor Reed recently moved just outside of town limits and per policy had to resign his position. Schmidt will be Mayor until the election in April of 2022.

“I'm thankful of the trust that Mayor Reed and the board has placed in me to carry out the position. The board of trustees has been a pleasure to work with, and as diverse as we are, we work extremely well together to ensure that we do what’s in the best interest of the town,” said Schmidt.

Reed has served as Mayor since 2017 when he stepped into the position after Jerry Hixson resigned for personal reasons. Over the course of the last four years, Reed has played a role in making the new water system a reality for South Fork and is a staple in the community. Reed helped pave the way for changing the ATV routes and rules throughout the Town of South Fork and in Rio Grande County.

In addition to the new mayor, the board will also be working to fill the open trustee seat in the coming days. According to Hicks, the board is hoping to have the seat filled by the next board meeting which is scheduled for January. Town policy states that the board has up to 60 days to fill the seat and several people have already shown interest. This seat will also be up for election in April.  

Though the town is undergoing several changes, the town board is continuing its efforts to finalize the new water system and have potential projects in place for the coming new year. They are also working to find a new chief for the South Fork Police Department.