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Herriman Mayor Joshua E. Mills has announced he is resigning effective Saturday.

Mills, who is an insurance underwriter, said new circumstances have made it difficult for him to give the time and attention necessary to fulfill his mayoral responsibilities.

In addition to his insurance job, Mills is a partner at political consulting firm M&M Communications Group and will begin classes Thursday at Utah State University, where he is pursuing a doctorate in economics.

"The people of Herriman deserve to have a mayor that is better able to attend to the needs of Herriman," he said.

Mills has served as mayor of the 21,000-population city since 2010 and has focused on economic development. His term expires in January.

The City Council will appoint a local registered voter to serve out the remainder of the term. Applications for interim mayor will be accepted beginning Monday; applicants will be interviewed in an open meeting Aug. 29.

Four candidates — Michelle Baguley, Anthony Todd DiConza, Carmen R. Freeman and Teddy M. Hodges — are running for Herriman mayor. The field will be narrowed to two in an Aug. 13 primary and the winner will be selected in the Nov. 5 general election.

Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC