Former mayor rejoins Dunnellon City Council

Dunnellon City Hall [Discover Dunnellon]

Wally Dunn has rejoined the Dunnellon City Council, unanimously appointed as a council member after his 2023 resignation as mayor over Form 6 concerns.

Dunn was elected as the city’s mayor in the November 2023 election but resigned soon after. Walter Green was appointed in January of 2024 to fill the vacancy and has served as mayor ever since.

Dunn resigned to avoid filing the newly required Form 6, which required individuals to disclose their net worth, value of household goods, and all assets and liabilities over $1,000 in value. Before the law, these officials were only required to file Form 1, detailing sources of income and assets over $10,000 in value.

In June of 2024, a federal judge ruled that the law was unconstitutional and that it was a violation of the First Amendment to require local officials to divulge sensitive financial information.

Former Councilmember Julianne Mendonca also resigned from the council with Dunn over Form 6 concerns. She was replaced by Chuck Dillon, who has since resigned and was replaced by Glen Stocker. Stocker resigned before being elected, leaving the seat vacant.

Dunn now steps in to fill this vacant seat. After being sworn in, he joined the rest of the council behind the bench and began work immediately.

A couple of citizens came forward to speak on Dunn’s behalf, including former state house representative and state senator Dennis Jones.

“Anybody that knows Wally knows that he’s qualified for the job. He’s been here before. He knows how to do the job—60% of the voters in this election cycle wanted him here, and you have an opportunity to return him for the remainder of this election cycle,”

Dunn will serve on the council until the end of the term, when he will be eligible to run for reelection.