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Brentwood commission decides to appoint replacement for vacant seat; application window set
Summary
The Board of Commissioners voted to fill its vacancy by appointment, setting an online application deadline of June 27, 2025, and scheduling the appointment for the July 14, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Travis voted for a special election and opposed the motion.
The Brentwood Board of Commissioners voted to fill the current vacancy by appointment rather than holding a special election, setting a public application window and an appointment date.
Commissioner Ann Donahue moved that the commission appoint a replacement instead of calling a special election. Under the motion, interested residents must submit an online application through the city website by 11:59 p.m. on June 27, 2025; the board will make the appointment at its July 14, 2025 meeting. The motion calls for commissioners to vote by ballot with each ballot announced after collection.
Why it matters: The person appointed will serve the remainder of the term and participate in commission business, including meetings and votes on policy and budgets. Commissioners debated whether the size of the remaining term justified a public election; Commissioner Travis argued for a special election, citing the remainder of the term and public input. The motion to appoint passed, with Travis recorded as the lone opponent.
During discussion, proponents of appointment said the city's improved application form will allow commissioners to assess qualifications more effectively and that citizens had expressed a preference to "get on with it." Opponents noted the remaining term length (about 18 to 22 months, as discussed by speakers) and estimated special-election costs of roughly $35,000 to $40,000; they said voters deserve a say for a seat with substantial decision-making authority.
City Attorney and staff answered procedural questions about state timelines for special elections, noting that special elections generally require coordination with the election commission and can extend the vacancy period. Commissioners Garris and Donahue spoke in favor of appointment; Commissioner Travis said he would support an election if the commission chose that route.
The board voted. The motion to appoint passed; Commissioner Travis voted in opposition. The commission set the application deadline at 11:59 p.m. on June 27, 2025, and scheduled the appointment vote for the July 14, 2025 meeting.
