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Commissioners discuss procedure for filling vacancy after abrupt resignation
Summary
The board discussed the sudden resignation of a commissioner and the statutory procedures for filling municipal vacancies, including whether to appoint a replacement or let voters decide at the next municipal election.
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners discussed how to fill a sudden vacancy after a recent resignation and reviewed state statutory timelines for appointments.
The mayor briefed the board that the resignation occurred with more than 90 days remaining before the next municipal election and explained that state statute governs whether the vacancy must be placed on the ballot or can be filled by board appointment. The mayor and other commissioners debated whether to appoint a successor or let voters choose, noting practical considerations such as the remaining length of the term and whether a prior election’s highest vote-getter should be given preference. The board discussed a range of scenarios — resignations occurring with nearly two years left on a term versus resignations occurring within months of an election — and noted that state statute (the 90‑day rule) constrains the town’s options in some cases.
No final appointment was made at the meeting; the board concluded discussion and agreed to address any specific appointment procedure if and when a vacancy timeline makes an appointment necessary.
Ending: The board recorded the discussion, requested staff ensure compliance with state statute when a vacancy is formally filed, and said it would revisit the issue if and when a vacancy timing requires action.
