POINT PLEASANT — Brian Billings, who began his career with the city of Point Pleasant as a councilman at large in 2003, has been appointed mayor by council.

Billings succeeds Leonard F. “Buster” Riffle, whose resignation became effective today. Riffle announced his resignation at council’s regular monthly meeting on June 8.

At a special meeting Thursday night, Councilman At Large James Bowles nominated Billings to replace Riffle, who chose to step down after citing health concerns. Council member Barbara Brown seconded the motion.

Billings, who’s been city clerk since June 2006, was approved on an 8-2 vote. Voting for his appointment were Bowles, Brown, Gary Cotton, Marshall Bonecutter, Elaine Hunt, Bob Doeffinger, Bill Park and Linda Smith. Voting against were Leota Sang and Sam Juniper.

“I respect the citizens of Point Pleasant and will continue to work hard for each of you,” Billings said Friday. “We are all living in tough economic times, not only here, but across the country. I will work diligently and pursue every avenue that I can to see that we provide the best services for our citizens.

“I want to thank council for this opportunity to serve our city as mayor for the next three years,” he added.

The term runs until July 2011. Riffle was appointed mayor on March 20, 2008, following the resignation of Marilyn McDaniel, who was elected mayor in the 2007 municipal election.

Billings spent 26 years with the Ohio Valley Publishing Co. at the Point Pleasant Register before he succeeded Stan Burdette as city clerk, at which time he gave up his councilman at large seat. He was elected to a full four-year term as clerk in 2007.

He and his wife Shirley are the parents of two sons, Josh and Jared. Josh is married to Ruthie and they have two children, Khloie and Kylie.

Billings presented his resignation as clerk to Riffle on Friday. It’s now up to council to appoint a new clerk.

“I’m sure they will be acting on that very quickly,” Billings said.