HOLYOKE — The City Council elected Ward 2 Councilor Terrence Murphy as acting mayor during a special meeting Monday night. Murphy will serve until the November mayoral election.

A recently passed home rule petition granted the City Council one-time authority to appoint any councilor as acting mayor.

City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee will swear in Murphy at City Hall Tuesday morning. Murphy won on the first ballot 8-5. All 13 councilors voted for Murphy during a symbolic second vote.

Murphy and Councilor at Large Peter Tallman were the only councilors who expressed interest in serving as acting mayor. Both longtime councilors lobbied their City Council colleagues for the top spot.

“I’m humbled and appreciative of your confidence that I can do the job,” Murphy said after Monday’s vote. “I also want to thank and compliment Councilor Tallman, who is a class act and someone I respect.”

He added, “My goal is to make Holyoke the best place to be for each and every person, each and every day. I’m going to do the absolute best that I can and have as much energy as I can.”

The home rule petition, approved by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker, also allows the city of Holyoke to eliminate a special mayoral election and a runoff.

After former Mayor Alex B. Morse’s March 26 departure, City Council President Todd McGee stepped in as acting mayor, but only for two weeks. McGee, who remains as council president, cited work commitments and possible conflicts of interest for his short tenure.

Murphy must focus on the fiscal 2022 budget, due by June 30, the day before the next fiscal year begins. Top city government slots remain vacant or have temporary personnel, including tax collector, treasurer, personnel director and solicitor.

McGee announced Lisa Ball was appointed acting city solicitor beginning May 3. Ball previously served as city solicitor. Former city auditor Brian Smith will assist the city during the budget process.

“I want everyone in this community to feel free to express their opinions pro or con to me,” Murphy said. “But make sure we do it with mutual respect. We’re going to disagree. There’s no way I can please everybody.”

Murphy expects to make tough decisions and said he would do so in the best interest of the city. He thanked his wife, Jean Tillman, her for support.

Before Monday’s virtual session, McGee invited Tallman and Murphy to meet with department heads about the upcoming budget. “So that this transition is as smooth as possible,” McGee said.

Councilors David Bartley, Howard Greaney, James Leahy, McGee, Joseph McGiverin, Michael J. Sullivan and Linda Vacon cast ballots for Murphy.

Tallman drew the votes of Councilors Juan Anderson-Burgos, Libby Hernandez, Gladys Lebron-Martinez and Rebecca Lisi. Both candidates cast ballots for themselves, allowable under council rules. Tallman thanked the councilors who supported his run.

“We have a lot of work to do to get the city back on its feet. I’m confident we’ll be able to do it with you (Terence Murphy) in Room One,” Tallman said.

Sullivan and Lisi, as well as School Committee member Devin Sheehan have launched mayoral campaigns ahead of the November election.

Murphy, who retired from Holyoke Community College in 2013, served as a Holyoke alderman from 1976-80 and 1982-84 and councilor at large from 1988-92. He currently serves as the Ward 2 Councilor, a position he will maintain as acting mayor.

Murphy also served on the Parks and Recreation Commission from 2012-18. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stonehill College, a master’s degree in public administration from American International College and degrees from Holyoke Community College.