San Benito County commissioners discussed how to fill an open public‑member seat on Sept. 11 after county staff reported it received no letters of interest.

Executive Officer Stinson told the commission the county had two options: delay the appointment until the October meeting and re‑notice the vacancy, or appoint the current public‑member alternate to the regular seat and keep an alternate appointment in place until October. Stinson said the county received no letters of interest following the notice.

The commission debated the two approaches. Staff noted the vacancy notice had been posted in the newspaper and on the county’s public bulletin (the legal posting on the board) and said additional outreach could be used if the commission chose to re‑notice the opening. Commissioners discussed fairness to potential applicants and the practicalities of promoting an alternate who had previously shown interest.

After discussion, commissioners indicated an intention to return the item to the October meeting and to re‑advertise the vacancy so additional candidates could apply. The transcript does not record a formal motion, a named mover/second, or a roll‑call vote on the item.

Officials said that, if an application is filed before then, commissioners would consider it; otherwise staff will bring the item back at the October meeting with re‑notice of the vacancy.