Meaford Mayor Wally Reif won't be sticking around to help set the 2008 budget after all.

A week after stunning the community by announcing his plan to step down once the budget for 2008 is set, Mayor Reif announced he was leaving immediately.

At last Tuesday night's council meeting, Reif made his resignation official and immediate.

"I thought I had something to offer," he said of his original plan to assist with the setting of the 2008 budget. "Based on the comments from several fellow councillors my voice is not welcome at this table," he said, tendering is immediate resignation.

At the end of the meeting, Reif departed the council chambers and didn't participate in a lengthy in-camera session the rest of council held to discuss a number of issues. One of the prime topics at the in-camera session was a discussion with municipal staff about how to proceed with the recruitment of a CAO for the Municipality of Meaford.

After Reif's announcement he received a warm round of applause from the audience. Local resident Keith Mustard praised Reif and his family for their service to the community.

Councillor Jim McPherson wished Reif and his family all the best in the future.

"It's been interesting to work with you," said McPherson.

At council's meeting the following Tuesday night, Reif's resignation was accepted with regrets by council. The office of mayor was declared vacant. Council also passed a resolution to proceed with an appointment to the mayor's chair rather than holding a byelection (see related story in this issue).