Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes is stepping down from office temporarily due to health concerns.

Stokes announced on Sunday he will be taking a leave of absence that is expected to last between three and six months.

Stokes made the announcement on his Sunday radio show broadcast with the Rev. P.J. Williams Sr. Stokes said he will step down from the weekly show as well.

The longtime councilman said he has Bell's palsy, a nerve condition that is temporarily paralyzing his facial muscles. He said he wanted to dispel rumors he has cancer or has had a stroke.

Stokes said doctors weren't able to determine a cause but said stress could be a factor.

The councilman was not immediately available for comment on Monday.

Council President Virgi Lindsay said council members will meet with City Clerk Kristi Moore at 3 p.m. Monday for more information on Stokes' hiatus.

Tie votes possible

With one of the seven council members on leave, a tie vote is possible. Given a deadlock, the agenda item will result in a failed motion, said Lindsay.

It's not unusual for a council member to take a leave of absence. Current Councilman Charles Tillman, for example, has taken leaves of absence as he dealt with health issues.

Stokes is not on any of the city's seven committees, so his absence will not affect city business in its finance, legislative, planning, rules, education, government operations and water committees.

However, Stokes frequently brings up items for discussion during the council's bi-monthly meetings and often puts resolutions on the agenda.

His most recent resolution seeks to prevent the city from cutting off water to non-paying customers. The councilman reasoned the city couldn't be trusted until its lawsuit with Siemens was concluded.

Stokes was first elected to represent Ward 3 in 1989. He served as a Hinds County supervisor from 2012 to 2015, before coming back to the council.

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Contact Justin Vicory at 769-572-1418 or jvicory@gannett.com. Follow @justinvicory on Twitter.