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Orland council declares vacancy after resignation; directs staff to open applications with April deadline
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Summary
Following the resignation of Council Member Matt Romano, the council formally declared the vacancy and, on advice of counsel, directed staff to open an appointment process with applications due April 29, 2026 and to complete an appointment by the statutory deadline of May 17 unless a special election is required.
The Orland City Council declared a council vacancy April 7 after the resignation of Council Member Matt Romano effective March 17, 2026, and directed staff to open an application period to fill the seat by appointment.
City Attorney Scott Drexel briefed the council on options under state law: a special election or an appointment. Staff recommended appointing a replacement given timing constraints and the cost of a special election for a very short unexpired term. The council voted to initiate an appointment process with a short application window, with staff to set a deadline of April 29, 2026 and to schedule public interviews and a possible appointment at the May 5 meeting, or at a special meeting no later than the statutory cutoff of May 17.
Mayor Brown and several council members emphasized transparency and public input; staff committed to making applications available for public review and to forwarding received applications to council members as they arrive. The council noted that if a vote on appointment deadlocks, the law requires holding a special election.
