THORSBY – Tom Bentley has resigned as the Mayor of Thorsby effective today at 4 p.m.

Bentley, who has been mayor since 2000, was defeated in a runoff last week by Dearl Hilyer. Before he leaves today, Bentley plans to meet with the new council members to discuss some pending projects in the town.

Until Hilyer is sworn in as mayor on Nov. 3, Mayor Pro-Tem Jack Allen will assume the mayoral duties.

“I’ve enjoyed serving with you,” Bentley told the Thorsby Town Council at last night’s meeting. “I don’t believe any group of people would have gotten done what we got we got done and without controversy.”

Council member Neil Benson said some residents have said the council has been “bobble heads,” saying yes to anything Bentley proposes.

“But it’s because the people know they can depend on your judgment,” Benson said.

In other business, the council:

canvassed the election results from last week’s runoff.

paid dues for the Regional Planning Commission in the amount of $1.065.

voted to draft a resolution to participated Alabama 2010 Year of Small Towns and Downtowns program.

– Brent Maze can be reached at brent.maze@clantonadvertiser.com.