By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – After missing the last several Helena City Council meetings citing personal and work-related reasons, Helena City Council President Mike Jones has announced his resignation effective immediately.

Jones, who has served on the Helena City Council since 2012 and as council president since 2016, announced his official resignation in a letter to fellow council members on Sunday, Nov. 25.

In the letter, Jones said his family business, Event Operations Group, closed on Sept. 1 which followed with Jones gaining new employment as a chief of police at a local municipality.

“This has been a long and challenging process that has unfortunately taken my time away from my position on the Council and has prevented me from attending the past few meetings,” Jones said in the letter. “Thank you for your patience, understanding and the support you have given to me and my family during this difficult time.”

Jones said in August he notified council members that he would need to take a few meetings off because of the business closing. This, on top of his new duties as chief of police which requires being on call, would not allow him to continue his work as council president.

“I’m resigning because things have changed in my life and I can’t commit to the level I think I should be able to to serve the city of Helena,” Jones said in a Nov. 26 phone interview. “I tried to work through it and one job was interfering with the other and it was obvious that I wouldn’t be able to hold both positions. To be fair to the city, I have to make the best decision for the city and that was to resign.”

Jones grew up in Helena and said he always wants what’s best for the city. He said he is proud of the work the council has done since he has served on the council.

“I’ve enjoyed serving with the team and I’m proud of the job that we’ve done and my service on the council,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to see the progress they make. We have a great team in place and it was a tough decision to make but life changes and sometimes you have to adapt to those changes. God has blessed me in life and I’m moving in the direction God wants me to go by going into law enforcement full time. I was honored to be chosen as police chief I’m and excited to see what the future holds in my law enforcement career. I’ve received tremendous support from my community and support and I want what’s best for the city.”

The Helena City Council now has up to 90 days to appoint a new council president.