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Mayor to appoint Ward 1 replacement after public applications; attorney says appointment must occur at a special meeting
Summary
Warrenton's mayor announced four people have expressed interest in the vacant Ward 1 alderman seat and aldermen agreed to accept written interest and permit five‑minute remarks from applicants; the city attorney said state statute requires the appointment and confirmation vote to occur at a special meeting.
Warrenton's mayor said he will appoint a replacement for the vacant Ward 1 alderman seat and that he has so far received four expressions of interest, while the city attorney explained how the board must confirm an appointee.
Randy, the city attorney, told the mayor and aldermen that "that vote requires a majority of the remaining members of the board" and clarified that, in this case, the confirmation would need three of the five aldermen to vote in favor. The attorney also said the statute governing the process requires the appointment and vote to take place at a special meeting rather than during a regular meeting.
The mayor announced four people have voiced interest in the vacancy—"mister Crow, mister Cornell, mister Barton, and mister Francis"—and said he would reach out to them. Board members agreed to keep the opening public for an additional two weeks to allow others to apply. The council directed residents to submit a letter or email of interest to the city; staff were asked to post notice on the city website and social media.
Aldermen set a process for applicants: each will be invited to speak for five minutes at the designated meeting slot (the board said the intent is not to hold a question‑and‑answer exchange during those five minutes), after which board members may follow up individually. The mayor said the appointed person will serve a one‑year term and that a special election will be held next year to return the seat to the regular cycle.
The mayor also noted that the current occupant, Jack, will remain in the post until an appointment is made. The board removed the appointment from the current agenda and directed staff to schedule and publicize the special meeting where applicants will speak and the formal appointment vote will occur.
The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was seconded and the board voted verbally in favor. The special meeting timeline and the posted application instructions will determine when the appointment is finalized.
