The Meridian village board is expected to accept the resignation of Mayor Thomas Fadden at a special meeting tonight.

A little-known state law precipitated the difficult decision, Fadden said Wednesday. The law prevents mayors from drawing unemployment because it is considered a full-time position, even though in Fadden's case the job pays only $1,000 a year.

An indefinite layoff at Crucible Steel forced Fadden to resign after more than 10 years as mayor.

“This is a fairly major shutdown at work and there wasn't anything I could do to keep working,” he said. “It wasn't easy; this village means a lot to me.”

The village board will need to appoint someone to temporarily serve as mayor. Village residents will vote this March for someone to finish out the four-year term that began in 2005.

Though the seat is often uncontested, Fadden plans to make a recommendation to the board.

“I have one candidate I think would be exceptional,” he said, declining to name the person until the special meeting.

He counted the award of more than $400,000 in grants for Main Street housing improvements as a highlight of his tenure.

“Everything I've done, I feel I've done in the best interest in the village,” Fadden said.

Though unsure about his future in politics, Fadden said he plans to help with the transition as village trustees and eventually voters select a leader.

Village trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at the village offices, 11320 Short Cut Road, Meridian.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net