May 7, 2021 4:00 a.m. 

Roseburg City Councilor Sheila Cox has resigned, citing family reasons.

Cox’s resignation was effective as of Monday.

Cox told News Radio 1240 KQEN that one of her grandsons was in a near fatal car accident two weeks ago and was life flighted to Portland with major brain bleeds, among other injuries. Cox said her daughter will need all the help she can get in providing his care. Cox said she needs to put her family first and doesn’t feel that she will have the time it takes to be an effective councilor.

Cox has held a Ward Two council seat since February of 2020 when she was appointed to complete a term vacated by Tom Ryan. Her term was set to run through the end of 2022. She had been Roseburg’s City Recorder from 1988 until retiring in 2018.

At Monday night’s meeting, city councilors will accept Cox’s resignation and declare the seat vacant. Staff will then begin a recruitment process which is expected to culminate with potential councilors being interviewed at the June 14th council meeting.