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Romulus council adopts vacancy‑procedure ordinance after debate over 'drawing lots' tie‑breaker
Summary
Council approved final adoption of a council vacancy procedure ordinance that adds sections 2.19–2.26 to the Romulus Code of Ordinances; debate centered on section 2.26(d), which resolves tie applicant scores by a drawing. The ordinance passed 5–1; Councilwoman Kathy Abdo recorded the lone dissent.
The Romulus City Council adopted a council vacancy procedure ordinance at its Feb. 9 meeting after debate about how to resolve ties between applicants.
The ordinance (second reading and final adoption) adds sections 2.19 through 2.26 to the Romulus Code of Ordinances. The clerk and city attorney read aloud charter language and election‑law guidance that frame the city’s obligation to fill vacancies within 45 days and the state practice for breaking ties by lot. The city attorney/clerk referenced the charter (section 4.5) and pointed to a Michigan election law procedure describing determination by lot in tie situations.
Councilwoman Kathy Abdo said she could not support the ordinance because of section 2.26(d), which provides that if two or more applicants tie for the highest score, their names would be placed in a drawing. "What does that say about us? ... I don't want to draw a name out of a hat and say, oh, you're the lucky winner!" she said. Abdo urged that council should re‑interview or otherwise resolve ties rather than rely on chance.
Councilmember Wilhite said he had previously proposed an amendment to cover tie situations that was voted down; he argued the ordinance provides a written framework and that drawing lots is consistent with state practice and avoids an ongoing tie that could paralyze the council.
After discussion the motion for final adoption was called and the roll was recorded: Councilmembers Roscoe, Jones, Wilhite, Bullock and the Chair voted yes; Councilmember Kathy Abdo was recorded as voting no. The motion to adopt the ordinance carried 5–1.
The clerk had previously noted the ordinance had failed to reach a two‑thirds threshold on a prior meeting and had been resubmitted at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Tina Talley.
The ordinance now added the vacancy‑procedure language to the city code; the council did not record any immediate amendments to the adopted language during the Feb. 9 vote.
