The Dawsonville City Council voted Monday to appoint James Grogan acting mayor until July 31.

Grogan, who was previously mayor pro-tem, will fill the vacancy created by the death of Mayor Joe Lane Cox last month.

Cox was a longtime fixture in Dawson County government. Prior to being elected mayor, Cox led the county as sole commissioner from 1981 to 1992 and also served as probate judge for three years in the late ’70s.

Early in the council meeting Monday, City Attorney Dana Miles recommended the council appoint an acting mayor pending a special election.

“Under your charter there is a designated preference that the mayor pro-tem be appointed to that position,” Miles said.

Within seconds, Councilman Calvin Byrd made the motion, which was approved in a 3-0 vote.

According to council protocol, the person appointed as acting mayor does not give up his rights as a council member. That means Grogan can still vote on future matters.

The council also approved the resolution for a special mayoral election. The general primary is scheduled for July 31.

Qualifying will be held May 23-25 at the Dawson County Board of Elections, 96 Academy Ave. The qualification fee is $741.

The winner will finish the unexpired term of Cox.

“The individual to be elected on July 31 would be sworn in on Aug. 6 at your regular scheduled meeting,” Miles said. “They would serve until the conclusion of Mayor Cox’s term, which would have been Dec. 31, 2015.”

Separate ballots and equipment will be required for the special election, which coincides with the regular primary.

The board of elections office will be announcing more details.

Miles has been working with the board and chairwoman Glenda Ferguson.

On Monday, Councilmen Grogan and Byrd announced they each plan to run for mayor.

Both men took office in 2010. According to Miles, council members do not have to step down from their current seats to seek the post.