AMBOY – The highlight of the Amboy City Council meeting held Monday, Dec. 18 was the official resignation of Mayor John Schamberger.
    Schamberger’s resignation letter, mailed to Amboy residents and posted on Facebook, was accepted by the council a year before his second term finished.
  In the letter, Schamberger explained his wife Meghan and him had grown up in the country and shared a goal of someday returning to a farm lifestyle for their children.
     “We are certainly looking forward to life in the country,” Schamberger said.
    The Schambergers jumped at an opportunity to relocate and although they’re excited about the prospects, John Schamberger had mixed feelings about stepping down as mayor.

“It’s very bittersweet,” he said. “I’ve been an alderman and mayor for (a combined) 11 years and I’m having a hard time letting go of something I’m so passionate about.”
  Deputy Mayor Frank Stenzel along with the rest of the aldermen thanked the mayor for his years of service to the community.
Stenzel will be sworn in at the next council meeting on Monday, Jan. 15.
   Amboy City Clerk Melissa Eisenberg explained what happens next to elect the future mayor.
  “Next year at this time, packets that went out to prospective candidates will be due,” Eisenberg said. “After all the petitions and signatures have been verified, the election will take place in April 2025.”
   Additional public sentiments were made by residents in attendance.
  Other happenings at the meeting included the board approving the taxy levy for the 2023 fiscal year, amending the ordinance pertaining to a water rate of 17.95 percent, along with a new sewer rate of 15.09 percent.
    Hoerr Construction was awarded the job of applying a new sewer lining with the accepted bid of $197,350.
    As Schamberger rapt the gavel to adjourn the meeting for the last time, Eisenberg reflected on their years working together.
   “John has done a lot for the community with progress in so many areas that will be felt for a long time,” the city clerk said. “I feel that we worked well together as a team. I wish him all the best.”