Richmond County Presiding Commissioner Billy Gaines tendered his resignation, effective Sept. 18, during a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday. Reasons behind the resignation were not mentioned. In accordance with legal requirements, Gaines’ formal resignation letter has been transmitted to Governor Mike Parson. The governor will then appoint a presiding commissioner to fill the vacant position. “If at the time the vacancy occurs, there is one year or more remaining in the unexpired term, it shall be the duty of the governor to fill such vacancy within 60 days by appointing, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, some eligible person to said office who shall discharge the duties thereof until the next general election, at which time a commissioner shall be chosen for the remainder of the term, who shall hold such office until a successor is duly elected and qualified unless sooner removed,” according to the statute. Gaines made recommendations for a replacement,…