GIBBON, Neb.— Leon Stall is resigning as the mayor of Gibbon following a recall effort. 

Locals formed a committee in September and launched a petition drive to unseat Stall. Circulators had 30 days to collect 240 signatures, which represented 35% of the number of voters who participated in the last mayoral election.

By the end of the 30 days, Stall stated the effort received dozens more signatures than required to send it to a recall election. 

The Buffalo County Election Commissioner confirmed the election date is set for January 13. Instead of face recall, Stall decided to resign.

Stall’s post stated, “Gibbon is well-positioned to move forward under the leadership of incoming Mayor Clevenger and City Administrator Smallcomb. I hope the community unites and capitalizes on the many opportunities on the horizon.”

According to Stall, Gibbon City Council President Derrick Clevenger will be filling the position until further notice.

Stall will also resign with Council action on December 1. Clevenger will have 14 days to make his appointment of the new Ward 1 overseer and the Council will then vote to accept or deny it.

Stall believes the recall effort is related to the emergency whistle public debate this past summer. The debate was centered around the town’s emergency whistles that some Gibbon residents believed to be a vital call to service, while others viewed them as a nuisance.

Stall was elected as mayor in November 2024. He received 378 votes compared to 305 for Matthew Branch

Stall’s duties as mayor will end on December 1. The Gibbon City council agenda for December 1 will be announced in the coming days with more details to come.