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Committee backs sending special-election options for council vacancies to City Council

Porterville Charter Review Committee · February 6, 2026

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Summary

The committee voted to forward alternative draft language requiring special elections to fill council vacancies (with interim appointments permitted) and discussed time windows (suggested 90–180 days), cost, and district vs. at-large implications.

The Porterville Charter Review Committee debated and then forwarded multiple alternatives to City Council that would change how council vacancies are filled, including a requirement that vacancies be filled by special election within a specified window and a provision allowing the Council to appoint an interim seat-holder until that election.

Staff noted the current charter language provides for appointment until the next council election; the proposed changes would require a special election to be held "no sooner than 90 days and no later than 180 days" after a seat is vacated, with an interim council appointment permitted pending that election. Members discussed logistical and fiscal consequences, including the cost of a stand-alone special election (figures were discussed in the meeting ranging to around $100,000 for some scenarios if not consolidated) and options to consolidate with state-run elections to reduce cost.

Members also raised the interaction with the city's move from at-large to by-district elections and whether special elections would be citywide or limited to the affected district; staff said special elections would typically be for the district seat, but options could be presented for Council consideration.

The committee approved forwarding both the 'require special election' language and an alternative wording that emphasizes interim appointment followed by a special election as soon as feasible. Staff will finish drafting the time-window language and provide the fiscal implications to Council.

Next steps: staff will prepare ballot-ready language and an analysis of special-election costs, timelines and operational procedures for Council review.