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Waynesville council delays appointment to vacant seat; 45-day window gives mayor appointment power if unresolved
Summary
Council held an executive session July 15 on filling a vacant seat but could not agree on an appointment. A prior motion passed 5-1 to interview additional applicants; Council has until Aug. 1 (45 days) to make a choice before the mayor may appoint a replacement.
After public comment on applicants, the Waynesville Village Council moved into executive session July 15 to consider the appointment to the open council seat. The motion to enter executive session (by Mrs. Connie Miller, second Mr. Brian Blankenship) passed on a 6-0 roll call. The council returned to open session at 10:02 p.m. with no appointment finalized.
Earlier in the meeting Mr. Chris Colvin moved and Mr. Zack Gallagher seconded that Council interview and consider three additional applicants who submitted paperwork the same day; that motion passed 5-1 with Mrs. Connie Miller voting no. James Prickett publicly objected to reconsidering applicants and urged support for Mr. Nation, a previously considered candidate. Chief issues recorded in the minutes include members' differing views about proceeding with additional interviews and candidates' readiness to commit to the time required for the role.
Law Director Jeff Forbes explained the statutory appointment timeline: when a vacancy occurs Council has 45 days to appoint a new member. If Council has not made a choice by the end of the 45 days, the appointment power reverts to the mayor; for this vacancy the 45-day period ends Aug. 1. The next regular Council meeting is Aug. 5; absent a special meeting, the mayor would be required to appoint a replacement.
The minutes record no final vote or formal selection at the July 15 meeting. Council directed staff to follow applicable procedures for appointment within the statutory window.
