Auburn reopens applications for MPO citizens advisory committee; announces library and school board vacancies

Mayor Ron Andrews said the Auburn City Council will reopen the application portal for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) citizens advisory committee after discovering many current members were unaware their terms were up because they work under the Lee Russell Council of Governments.

The council asked staff to contact existing committee members to confirm whether they wish to continue serving and to accept new applications through the reopened portal. The MPO citizens advisory committee works with the Lee-Russell Council of Governments on metropolitan transportation planning in Lee County and Russell County, according to the mayor’s remarks.

On the regular agenda the mayor announced two board vacancies. Daniel Surry, identified in the mayor’s minutes as a current library-board member, is moving out of Auburn; his departure created an unexpired library-board vacancy that the minutes say will begin immediately and run through 2026. The council will consider applications and make the appointment at its March 18 meeting.

The council also announced one vacancy on the Board of Education. The mayor’s minutes describe the seat as a six-year term beginning June 1, 2025, and include the notation “02/1931” in the record; the minutes state the appointment will be made at the April 15 meeting following an interview process. The mayor said the mayor pro tem and the mayor will screen applications, select candidates for interviews and then present a recommended appointment on April 15.

Those interested in any of the vacancies were directed to submit applications; the mayor’s minutes note that interviews will be part of the Board of Education appointment process.