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Owasso outlines process and timeline to fill Ward 4 vacancy and elect vice mayor after Dunn’s passing
Summary
City staff reviewed the charter provisions and a council policy for filling a vacant Ward 4 seat, explained publication and interview timelines, and said an appointee would serve the remainder of the term until the next regular election cycle.
City staff briefed councilors on the process to fill a vacant Ward 4 seat and the concurrent vice‑mayor election at the Sept. 9 meeting following the passing of Vice Mayor Bridal Dunn.
Staff said Section 2‑10 of the city charter allows the remaining councilors, by majority vote, to fill the unexpired term or leave the seat vacant until a successor is elected. The council in 1993 adopted a policy for filling vacancies that staff said the city follows for appointments.
Under the timeline staff described, the steps would be: council declares a vacancy at the Sept. 16 meeting; staff publishes the notice of vacancy (staff suggested Sept. 22); letters of interest would be accepted for a 10‑day period with a proposed deadline of Oct. 6; and council would act to appoint or extend the process by Oct. 21. Staff recommended councilors interview all applicants who submit letters of interest.
Staff noted the appointed successor would take the oath immediately and serve the remainder of the term; Vice Mayor Dunn was in the third year of his term, so the seat runs through the first meeting in May 2026. Staff also described the 2026 election schedule: filing Dec. 1–3, 2025; the first election in February 2026; and a runoff in April 2026 if required.
Staff said the public notice will list eligibility criteria (including voter registration and ward residency), instructions for submitting a letter of interest and basic application information; it will not list detailed time commitments but will state the residency requirement for serving.
Councilors asked about timing and interview logistics; staff said interviews could be held in a single meeting or by special meeting or work session if many applicants apply. Staff said the notice will be published in the local paper and applications accepted at city hall during specified weekday hours for two consecutive weeks.
No appointment was made at the Sept. 9 meeting; staff said the vacancy declaration, publication and possible appointment would be on the Sept. 16 council agenda, and council will also hold a vote for vice mayor at that meeting.
