Randy Brachbill

BELLEFONTE — Bellefonte Borough Councilman Randy Brachbill is trading his council seat for sunnier weather.

Council accepted the resignation of its longest-serving member Monday, effective July 30.

Brachbill, who has represented the South Ward since 2014, said he is stepping down to pursue his dream of moving to Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his wife.

“And that’s what we’re doing. I’m going to smile all the way down until we get there,” Brachbill said. “So thank you all. I appreciate everybody that’s at this table and those who aren’t with us anymore. It was fun, but sometimes you just have to give it up and go the right way.”

In a resignation letter submitted to council May 13, Brachbill said, “It has been an honor to serve the residents of the borough and work alongside fellow council members, staff, volunteers and community partners during my time in office.”

Before the vote to accept his resignation, Councilwoman Barbara Dann jokingly asked whether denying it would mean Brachbill had to stay.

“We’ve been very lucky to have you on council and serve our borough and residents,” Dann said, adding that his service had helped better the community and, on a personal note, that she would miss their friendship.

Councilwoman Joanne Tosti-Vasey, meanwhile, noted that Brachbill’s 12 years of service made him the longest-serving member of council.

“The knowledge that he has, I think, will be missed,” she said.

Council President Doug Johnson, who said he has worked with Brachbill since their time together on the planning commission years ago, also praised his colleague’s contributions to the borough.

“We’ve had disagreements, but we’ve also had more agreements than we’ve had disagreements, and I really appreciate you on this council,” Johnson said. “Your due diligence is beyond recognition.”

Johnson added that, with the positions council will need to fill in Brachbill’s absence, his experience and dedication will be greatly missed.

Brachbill serves on the Workplace Safety Committee; Streets, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee; Bellefonte Fire Executive Board; Civil Service Commission; Spring Creek Watershed Commission; and the Centre Region Council of Governments Public Safety Committee. In his letter, he requested removal from those positions effective immediately.

Borough Manager David Pribulka said council will have 30 days to appoint a replacement once the seat is vacated to serve the remainder of Brachbill’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2027.

If council is unable to appoint a replacement, the matter will be referred to the Vacancy Board.

Pribulka said additional information regarding applications and the process for appointing an interim council member will be released at a later date.