Oxford Mayor released from hospital

Mayor Leon Smith

Oxford Mayor Leon Smith is recovering at home after a hospital stay for pneumonia.

A statement from the city   said the 72-year-old Smith had been hospitalized for that illness at Trinity Hospital in Birmingham “for a couple of days.” Smith was not present for the City Council’s meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 9. He has not been present when the council conducts official business since its Oct. 15 meeting.

Officials say city business continues as usual without the mayor’s presence, its departments running with oversight from the council and finance director Alton Craft, who takes input from Smith at his home.

The release said the mayor would be recovering until Jan. 5, per his doctor’s orders, but “looks forward to returning to work at his office.”