Council to interview finalists after 12 applications for vacant seat; interviews set before Aug. 3 appointment

The Columbia Falls City Council reviewed 12 applications for a vacant council seat and agreed to hold public interviews of finalists before making an appointment.

At the meeting, council members said one application appeared to list an address outside city limits and that staff should verify voter-registration and residency status before interviews. The council discussed narrowing the pool to roughly four finalists; each would be allotted about 15 minutes for a public interview. Staff recommended holding interviews the week before the Aug. 3 council meeting so the council could name a replacement at that session if desired.

Council members emphasized fairness in the process, including offering interview access by in-person or Zoom for applicants who could not attend. The city manager recommended contacting potential finalists promptly so interviews and any necessary disqualifications could be resolved before the selection meeting.

Next steps: staff will verify registration and residency, contact finalists, and schedule the public interviews as discussed. The council agreed to advance the process and return the matter for formal action at the Aug. 3 meeting.