Oberlin Mayor Joseph “Moochie” Manuel said he will resign March 31 citing health reasons.

Manuel, 70, who has served as mayor for seven years, announced his resignation after submitting his resignation to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office on March 23.

“This election is this year and I am not running anymore,” Manual said. “It is time for me to go.”

The vacancy will allow Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Smith to become mayor until municipal elections are held in November. Smith is expected to be appointed interim mayor by April 20 and will serve the remainder of the unexpired term ending Dec. 31.

A special election is not required for the vacancy, according to Secretary of State spokesperson John Tobler.

On Friday, Manuel told the American Press he will miss serving the town.

“I was born and raised here in Oberlin,” he said. “I enjoyed serving and I am going to miss it. It’s just time for me to get out.”

Manuel said he is looking forward to spending more time with family and traveling.

Among his accomplishments while in office, Manuel said he worked to obtain grant money to continue work to improve roads, water and sewer.

“With the two water tanks now, except for one freak accident after one of the storms, we shouldn’t lose water,” Manuel said.