HOLLY RIDGE, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina town’s mayor has announced that he is resigning.

Limited information is known at this moment, however, Jeff Wenzel is stepping away from his role as mayor of Holly Ridge.

His resignation was effect Monday night after a town council meeting. He tells WITN the town council will appoint someone for the remainder of the term.

Wenzel was elected in 2021 after beating our Walter T. Zabaiki by close margins. He won by a vote of 194 to 181.

The Onslow County Board of Elections says the town council does not have to pick a member of the town council to fill the position. However, WITN is told if a town council member is appointed, then another person will need to be appointed for that position, too.

He shared a comment with WITN this morning saying, “Holly Ridge has grown immensely over the past four and a half years since I became mayor, and I have come to realize that my work schedule no longer allows me to fulfill the duties of being mayor as fully as I would like. At this important juncture for the Town, with the development of the Camp Davis Industrial Park and other growth initiatives, the citizens of Holly Ridge need a mayor who can devote more time to attending meetings, meeting with developers, and representing the Town. The future is bright for Holly Ridge, and I am excited to continue being active in my community.”

WITN has followed up with questions and has also reached out to town officials for what the next steps are going to be regarding the position.