Jeff Taylor named Guthrie’s vice mayor following 4-3 vote

Following a spirited discussion during Tuesday night’s Guthrie City Council meeting, Councilman Jeff Taylor was appointed as the city’s new vice mayor in a narrow 4-3 vote. Taylor, who has served on the council since 2013, will hold the position through the first council meeting in May 2027.

During the May 20 meeting, the council deadlocked in a 3-3 vote on appointing then-Vice Mayor Grant Aguirre, who was appointed to the council in March 2023, to a second term as vice mayor, falling short of the four votes needed for approval. Mayor Adam Ropp, Councilwoman Menecca Gibbs, and Aguirre voted in favor. After the vote, Gibbs asked, “I would like to know how the current vice mayor has not done an adequate job?”

The topic was revisited during the council’s June 4 meeting, but was delayed due to the absence of Aguirre and a vacant seat. With a full council present on Tuesday, including newly sworn-in Councilwoman Deanna Duehning, the discussion resumed and quickly intensified. Related article: Deanna Duehning appointed to city council after extended selection process

While the Guthrie city charter formally defines the vice mayor’s duties as presiding over meetings in the mayor’s absence, Tuesday’s debate revealed contrasting views on the broader expectations of the role. Ropp adamantly argued that the position carries important unofficial responsibilities, such as meeting regularly with the city manager, representing Guthrie at events and ceremonies, and advocating for the city during engagements with state and federal officials.

Councilman Brian Bothroyd nominated Taylor, pointing to his long service and availability to take on both the formal and informal duties of the office. “I think that longevity on council deserves an opportunity to be vice mayor,” Bothroyd said. His motion was seconded by Councilman Tracy Williams.

Taylor, before the vote, said he was ready to serve in the new role. “I’ll accept it if that’s the council’s decision,” he said. “I’ll work whatever way I can to help citizens, as well as the council attorney, city manager, and city clerk.”

Voting in favor of Taylor were Bothroyd, Williams, Taylor, and Duehning—casting her first official vote just moments after being sworn into office to represent Ward 1. Voting against were Ropp, Aguirre, and Gibbs.

Not all council members agreed with the decision.

Outgoing Vice Mayor Aguirre defended his record, highlighting his role in helping secure federal funding for improvements at the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport and representing the city at regional meetings, including those with the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML).

However, others argue that airport funding and related projects were achieved largely through city staff and external partnerships, not because of the vice mayor’s title.

“What I’m hearing is, and just to be quite transparent, is that if you weren’t vice mayor, the things at the airport wouldn’t have happened,” Bothroyd said. “Would we have gained the same funding without you being vice mayor?”

Aguirre, who serves on the airport board as a council appointment, responded, “It’s impossible to prove a negative.”

Williams, who also sits on the airport board, added, “Do I think being vice mayor made a difference at the airport? I don’t think so. I think it was the city management and the airport itself that made all the difference. I don’t think it was up to one individual—certainly not based on title.”

Williams said he researched the city charter and Oklahoma Municipal League guidance, and found no requirement for the vice mayor beyond running meetings in the mayor’s absence. “I can’t find anywhere the vice mayor is expected to be anything except to replace the mayor when he’s out of town to run this meeting,” he said.

Despite Bothroyd making a motion for Taylor, Ropp stated his intention to nominate Aguirre again— “After this, I will make a motion for Vice Mayor Aguirre again”—the vote on Taylor’s nomination passed 4-3 before any additional motion was made.

The issue of daytime availability continued to be a sticking point. Ropp, who has been on the council since 2023, emphasized that being accessible for sudden meetings or ceremonial duties was vital. “When people come into the community, they want to speak to who? City manager, mayor, vice mayor,” he said.

Bothroyd countered, “I don’t know that they ever bring the vice mayor.” Ropp replied, “Yes, they do.”

“The only thing you’re leaving out is five other council people,” Bothroyd said. “They give up a tremendous amount of time to represent the city.”

Ropp also pointed to an upcoming OML meeting as an example of the need for availability. When he asked who else could attend if he wasn’t able, no council members responded. “Nope! Well, that proves my point again. It’ll be me and Grant because we’re the ones that are available,” Ropp said.