During the Charleston City Council meeting Tuesday, Mayor John Inyart announced he will not seek a third term as Charleston’s mayor.

Inyart, who has served as mayor since 2005, said his experiences as mayor have been an honor, rewarding and fun.

“Yes, believe it or not, this job is fun,” he said.

Inyart thanked his family, friends, city officials and the community for their support.

Inyart said the commitment of being mayor has not allowed him to concentrate on his life, his business and his family as much as much as he might like.

“Honestly, eight years of service seems to be enough for me, and it’s time I refocus my energy and give someone else a turn,” he said.

Inyart will serve as mayor until the end of his term on April 30, 2013.

The council also approved the submission of a public question regarding lower electric rates for Charleston residents.

To achieve lower electricity rates, Inyart explained Charleston would join with local towns and counties to bid on electricity rates. By joining together, the communities would be able to achieve lower rates, he said

“This is an opportunity for the city of Charleston and our residents to participate in the ability to go out and bid on our electric supply as a large group with several communities and counties, most of which would probably not be able to get near this price in a smaller group,” Inyart said.

City Manager Scott Smith said the program would be an opt-out program, meaning that all residents in the communities would be opted into the program.

Such a move ensures that the group of communities can attract more electric companies and demand a lower bid because of a higher number of residents involved.

Residents would have the option to opt-out of the program, Smith said.

The program, which would not take effect until January or February 2013, could save residents several hundred dollars per year, Inyart said.

The public question regarding the program will be available for public inspection for two weeks, until Aug. 6.

If approved during the council’s next meeting on Aug. 7, the plan would go on the Coles County ballot for the general election on Nov. 6.

The council also approved for public inspection the proposed use of Good Energy as a consultant in the council’s plan to reduce electricity costs.

The proposed use of Good Energy will be available for public inspection for two weeks, until Aug. 6.

In other business, the City Council:

• Approved the purchase of a street sweeper through an existing contract with the Missouri Department of Transportation for $152,300.

• Authorized closing Eighth Street from Jackson to Van Buren avenues on Aug. 11 from 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Cub-Mobile Race being hosted by Cub Scout Troop 41.

Tim Deters can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].