Council to appoint replacement for departing member rather than hold a special election

Council Member Star told the council she will resign effective July 30 or 31. Staff reviewed statutory timing: the vacancy must be filled by appointment within 60 days after the vacancy and the appointed person serves only until the next regular election, when the seat will be on the ballot.

Council preference and rationale: members generally favored appointment over a special election, citing the cost of a special election and the short time the appointee would serve before the November ballot. The auditor’s office guidance noted that an appointee would serve until canvassing of votes from the November election, after which the elected candidate would assume the seat. Council asked staff to publish a short application form (name, reason for interest, relevant experience, residency eligibility) and to check legal residency and other statutory qualifications with the county auditor.

Timeline and next steps: council expressed a desire to fill the vacancy quickly (ideally by the end of August) and asked staff to circulate a brief application and a short timetable for appointment. Council will review applicants and make the appointment at a future meeting; the appointment process is a council decision under the procedures discussed.