City Council President Michael J. Jones said that he expected the Nov. 13 meeting of the council to be his last.

“I planned to resign after the meeting,” said Dr. Jones, who currently represents the 9th Council District and is leaving to take his seat in House of Delegates following his election Nov. 7.

However, he said he made his resignation from City Council effective Dec. 31 after he was told it would simplify the process, which the Free Press has confirmed.

Dr. Jones said that was the reason he extended his council term, rather than seeking to ensure the council appointment of School Board member Nicole Jones, no relation, as his replacement as the Free Press reported in the Nov. 16-18 edition.

His decision to stay on, however, means he will be available to vote for Ms. Jones when the council appoints a person to fill his seat, which is expected during the final 2023 council meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.

The process for his replacement is now open. Dr. Jones has indicated that he expects that Ms. Jones to have the support of a majority of the council to fill his seat until the next election for council members takes place Nov. 5, 2024. Ms. Jones has confirmed that she plans to run for the seat in 2024.