The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 11, 2025, focused primarily on the vacancy in the District 4 Commissioner's seat following a recent resignation. The board discussed the process for filling the vacancy, which has drawn interest from seven candidates.

The commissioners have the option to appoint an individual to fill the position until the next regularly scheduled election in November 2026. This appointee would need to run in both the primary and general elections, with filing deadlines set for April 2026. If the board opts not to fill the vacancy through appointment, a special election would be required, likely scheduled for January 2026. However, this timeline is contingent on the resignation date, which allows until August 30 to call for such an election.

The cost of conducting a special election is estimated at approximately $4,000, which would be borne by the county. The discussion highlighted the implications of either decision, emphasizing the need for timely action to ensure representation for District 4 residents.

In conclusion, the board's decision on how to proceed with the vacancy will significantly impact the electoral process and representation in the county, with a deadline approaching for making that choice.