Dale Verges has resigned as the mayor of Marthasville. The city is now actively seeking a replacement for the position. His resignation was announced at the Dec. 21 board of aldermen meeting. Verges, who was absent from city meetings numerous times in previous months because of a commitment with his job in Columbus, Ohio, addressed aldermen via a letter. He said his continued absence did not allow him to fulfill the duties of the office of mayor and that was "only a detriment to the board." "I urge the board (of aldermen) to continue working to be progressive and to keep working to improve the city's infrastructure," Verges wrote. Alderman Jim Struckhoff said the city wants to quickly fill the position. "We're looking for somebody, but it has to be the right person - somebody who knows the city issues already," he said. Aldermen said they would have preferred Verges remain in office, but wished him well. "I'm happy he's got his job where he's at," said Alderman Leo Tobben. "I know he hates to leave and we hate to see him go. "I wish he could have stayed," he added. "He did a lot of years (of service) for the city." Verges spoke to The Record via telephone days after the board of aldermen meeting. "I was really hoping I could hang on to the mayor's position," he said. "I think my educational background and training lent itself for me to do well in this position. "I hope the citizens of Marthasville felt I did a good job," Verges added. His public service to the city began in 1995 as an alderman. "Butch Broeker, the president of the board at that time asked me if I wanted to serve on the board and I found interest in it and ran for the April election in 1995," Verges said. "After Mayor Wendell Howard passed away, I was serving as president of the board and they appointed me mayor pro tem, so the following April I ran for the position." He said it was his connection and love for the city that was the determining factor in running for office. "We moved to Marthasville when I was 12 years old and it was my home my entire adult life," Verges said. "I love the city and the surrounding area. It's a small town, which I'm attracted to. There's a large amount of community involvement." In addition to serving as alderman and mayor, Verges also volunteered with the Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department and ambulance district in the past. "I enjoyed being part of the community," he said. Verges said he was proud of what he accomplished during his time in office, but said there were many challenges as well. "One of the biggest challenges was the yearly budget and making sure the city was operating within the budget," he said. "When I took the position of mayor, there were a few things I saw that we really needed to do." Verges said updating the city's code book was one accomplishment in particular that he remembered. "We contracted with a company in St. Louis that went through and updated everything," he said. "So now it's not really an ordinance book anymore, but a city code. That's one of the accomplishments I feel very happy about." Verges said other accomplishments during his term include improvements to the city's infrastructure - water and sewer lines as well as road improvements. "We've been able to pass some sales taxes to help with capital improvements and transportation," he said. "One thing I've learned from management in my regular life, is if you're not constantly moving forward, you're falling behind because everyone else is moving around you," Verges added. "Even if it's only to just stand your ground." He urged aldermen and whomever fills the mayor's position to work for the citizens of Marthasville first and foremost. "They're working for the citizens of Marthasville and with that responsibility, they have to be financially and fiscally responsible," he said. "That doesn't mean they just watch finances and not spend money - they have to keep up with requirements for the city's infrastructure. "If the city is to continue to grow, we have to continue to improve," Verges added. "We have to keep (improvements) up so we can attract new businesses." He said while he knows he has to move on, he will miss what he has to leave behind. "It's been very enjoyable," Verges said. "I'm going to miss it. I'll miss the involvement with the city and its challenges."