Chattanooga City Council member Carol BerzChattanooga Councilwoman Carol Berz announced Wednesday she will not be candidate for chairwoman when the new council gets organized April 16.
Berz plans to stay on as chairwoman of the budget and finance committee, she said in a news release.
"With the transition between the Littlefield and Berke administrations, I believe it's critical to have someone guiding the budget process with an institutional knowledge," she said in a statement.
Berz has served as chairwoman of the budget and finance committee for the last three years. A new City Council is set to be sworn in April 15.
A runoff race will be held Tuesday in the District 4 race between incumbent Jack Benson and challenger Larry Grohn.
If Benson loses, the council will have seven new members. The only veterans would be Berz and Councilman Russell Gilbert.
"With the difficult days of the recent recession just behind us, we have to remain vigilant about keeping our costs down and investing wisely in efforts that will strengthen our city and make business sense," Berz said. "I believe my leadership in this effort is exactly what I need to do."