Argyle certifies May 3 election results; sales-tax increase fails; newly elected officials sworn

At a special meeting, the Argyle Town Council approved ordinances declaring the canvass of the May 3, 2025, elections and administered certificates of election and oaths to newly elected officials.

The council approved Ordinance 2025-16, which declares the canvass and results of the May 3 general election for mayor and council places 2 and 4. The official tally read into the record showed Ronald Schmidt with 837 total votes and Chad Despainchetti with 251 total votes for mayor; Martin Bridal, unopposed for council place 2, with 814 total votes; and Casey Stewart, unopposed for council place 4, with 836 total votes. A motion to approve Ordinance 2025-16 was made and seconded and the council passed the ordinance by voice vote.

The council then approved Ordinance 2025-17, which declares the canvass and results of a special election question (Proposition A) on whether to increase the sales-and-use tax to 2 percent. The canvass read into the record reported 546 votes in favor and 553 votes against Proposition A; the proposition failed. A motion to approve Ordinance 2025-17 as presented was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

After the canvass ordinances passed, the council moved to administer the certificates of election, statements of officer and the oaths of office to the newly elected officials. The oath recorded in the transcript includes the statement by the official being sworn: “I, Al Smith, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of mayor of the Town of Argyle” (transcript). Certificates and oaths for the newly elected council members were completed as part of that agenda item.

The meeting record shows the canvass, the formal approval of both ordinances by the council, and the administration of election certificates and oaths. The minutes record the council adjourning the special meeting at 5:11 p.m.