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Bibb County Commission votes 7–1 to call May 19 special election to fill vacant water authority seat
Summary
After legal advice that the water authority charter "is self-executing," the commission set qualifying fees and asked the board of elections to issue a May 19, 2026 special election to fill the unexpired District 2 seat; the measure passed 7–1 following concerns about process and an allegation of a pre-election meeting.
The Bibb County Commission voted 7–1 on March 24 to request the board of elections call a special nonpartisan election on May 19, 2026, to fill the unexpired District 2 seat on the water authority and to set the qualifying fees.
Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Wilder seconded. During debate Stewart asked whether the water authority itself had voted on the request and raised concerns about fairness, saying he had been told—"allegedly"—that two officials had met with a potential candidate the day before the election was called and urging commissioners to "stop playing political games in this city." No names were given for the alleged meeting.
The commission’s attorney, Mike, told the board the request came from water authority chairman Gary Beal and that the authority’s governing charter requires that "should a vacancy occur" with more than 120 days remaining the remaining members notify the probate judge, who appoints a qualified person until the next general election. "That language in the water authority charter is ... self-executing," Mike said, and the commission’s role is limited to setting qualifying fees; the board of elections handles the formal call and qualifying process.
Commissioners asked procedural and timing questions. The attorney said qualifying would be held with a window that meets the 30-day-plus statutory timing and that staff had coordinated with the Secretary of State’s office to ensure military and absentee-ballot deadlines are met. The attorney also said the authority may appoint an interim member until the election if it chooses.
Commissioner K and others urged clarity and consistent adherence to rules and bylaws so the public understands when an appointment is used and when an election is required. After discussion the board voted 7–1 to approve the resolution; the board of elections scheduled a meeting to issue the formal call and begin the qualifying process.
Next steps: the board of elections will issue the official call for the May 19, 2026 election and open qualifying per the fees set by the commission. The water authority may appoint an interim member until the election outcome is certified.
