Whenever any vacancy in the office of mayor shall occur by reason of death, resignation, removal or any other cause, the president of the council shall assume the duties of the office of mayor effective on the date such vacancy occurs and shall serve as acting mayor until a mayor is elected and qualified as herein provided. The acting mayor shall receive no compensation, expenses or allowances as a council member while acting as mayor, but he will receive the same rate of pay and allowances provided for the mayor whose vacated office he fills, and the compensation received for days of service as acting mayor shall not be counted in determining the maximum annual per diem compensation permitted council members. While the president of the council is serving as acting mayor he may attend council meetings but may not vote on any matters before the council. The council shall within 10 days of the occurrence of the vacancy in the office of the mayor call a special election to fill such vacancy, such election to be held in accordance with general municipal election laws. The successor to the mayor chosen at any such election shall qualify for office as soon as practicable thereafter, and shall assume the duties, responsibilities, and powers of such office immediately upon such qualification, and shall hold office for the unexpired term of his predecessor and until his successor is elected and qualified.