Lake Placid council appoints Ray Royce to fill vacant seat and names him vice mayor

The Town of Lake Placid Town Council voted to appoint Ray Royce to a vacant council seat and later confirmed him as vice mayor during its regular meeting.

Ray Royce introduced himself to the council and audience, citing prior service on growth-management committees and the local planning agency and describing himself as a “conservative fiscal steward.” He told the council he was prepared to begin work "day 1" on tasks including the town’s comprehensive plan review.

A council member moved to appoint Royce to the vacant seat and administer the oath of office; after brief public comment and candidate remarks the chair took a roll call and announced the motion carried. Royce was sworn in and thanked the council, saying, “I appreciate the support of the council, and I look forward to working with all of you.”

The council then considered a separate motion to appoint Royce as vice mayor. That motion was moved and seconded, the clerk took the roll, and the mayor announced the motion passed.

The appointments follow the council’s process for filling vacancies and come as the town prepares for a busy budget and project season. Council members and members of the public congratulated Royce in the meeting and encouraged him to participate on advisory boards and committees as needed.

The council did not discuss changing any existing policies tied specifically to the appointments; the action was limited to filling the seat and naming the vice mayor. Further committee assignments and calendar items are expected at future meetings.

What happens next: Royce immediately took the oath and can participate as a voting member; council members asked staff to provide an upcoming meeting calendar and budget timeline to orient the newly seated member.