SAXONBURG — Outgoing Mayor Jody Pflueger Eichenlaub says she’s enjoyed her time in office.

“I absolutely loved the four years I was in office,” she said. “I was honored I was elected.”

Eichenlaub, 49, has dropped her re-election bid because she will move this spring to Buffalo Township with her husband, Carl Eichenlaub.

She said she’s proud of her work professionalizing the borough’s police department. Under her tenure, the borough re-established the police chief post.

Council President Bill Gillespie commended Eichenlaub.

“Jody came into the office and did some good things for the police department,” Gillespie said.

He pointed out she was hampered from making as many changes as she wanted due to financial considerations.

“She, unfortunately, was restrained by the budget,” Gillespie said.

Eichenlaub’s announcement shocked her Republican opponent in the election, Councilwoman Pam Bauman.

“My reaction is a total surprise,” Bauman said. “I had no idea.”

Eichenlaub is finishing her first term as mayor.

“I wish her the best,” Bauman said.

Shari Brewer, director of the Butler County elections bureau, said Eichenlaub’s name will be on the Nov. 5 ballot because it’s too late to change the ballot.

If Eichenlaub still would win, she could decline the seat. Even if she accepted the post, she would be required to quit upon moving out of the borough.

If a vacancy occurs, the borough council would appoint a new mayor.

If Bauman wins, there would be no appointment.

If Eichenlaub would win and resign later, the council would a pick a successor who would have a two-year term.