Roanoke Rapids District 1 Councilman Tommy Daughtry has submitted his resignation effective today.

His resignation is due to a forthcoming change of residency that will take him outside of the city limits, the city said in a statement.

Daughtry, who was appointed to the late Suetta Scarbrough’s seat, said in a Monday letter to Mayor Emery Doughtie, “I feel that it is best for the citizens of District 1 to formally resign my seat on city council to avoid any questions regarding my residency.” 

Under the Roanoke Rapids City Charter, the remaining members of the council may appoint a qualified person to hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term, which in Daughtry’s case is November of 2025.

City Manager Kelly Traynham said Wednesday it was not clear whether the council would discuss the matter fully at its meeting Tuesday. She did say it will be stated for purposes of recording attendance and establishing a quorum.

Since the city council has by‐district elections, any appointment shall be a qualified resident of District 1, which is also represented by Councilman Rex Stainback. 

“The city of Roanoke Rapids thanks Daughtry for his service,” it said in the statement.

Daughtry was appointed by the council to represent District 1 on September 6 of last year after Scarbrough’s resignation due to health concerns a month earlier during her fourth consecutive term.

Prior to his appointment to the city council, Daughtry retired from Dominion Energy in 2019 after 39 years of service. He also served two years on the Canal Museum Advisory Board.

Appointments by the council are for the remainder of the term, despite any contrary provisions under the general statutes.