Lancaster Mayor Brian Kuhn says he'll step down next month in the wake of pleading guilty to tax-related charges.
Kuhn abruptly submitted his resignation Monday morning, minutes before city council was set to approve a resolution urging him to resign.
His departure follows his sentencing last month to 90 days house arrest after pleading guilty to attempting to avoid paying a state tax return.
Kuhn has also had federal tax liens filed against him, but he has said he's working to repay the IRS.
In his resignation letter, Kuhn wrote:
I believe I have performed the duties of Mayor in a manner that has served the city well during 2016, However, I do understand that confidence in me as a leader has diminished since taking office thirteen months ago. The citizens of the City of Lancaster are important to me, as well as how we are portrayed to outside communities and future investors. To that end, I will resign my office as the Mayor of the City of Lancaster, effective midnight on Friday, February 3, 2017.
Lancaster City Council President Bob Hedges will serve as acting mayor until the Fairfield County Republican Party's central committee names a replacement to serve the remainder of Kuhn's term.
