Council adopts resolution to cancel portion of Wellsville municipal election for two uncontested council seats

The Wellsville City Council voted Oct. 7 to adopt Resolution 2025‑10, which cancels the portion of the municipal election that would have included two uncontested council seats. Staff explained the move is permitted under state law for uncontested races and can reduce administrative costs.

"By state code, if you have an uncontested election, you're able to cancel the election," staff member S1 said during the public hearing explaining the resolution. The resolution would remove the two council seats from the ballot so voters will see only the two mayoral candidates on election day.

Council members discussed community reaction to canceled contests. "In the past, we've had citizens that's been a little upset that we didn't have an election," Council member S4 said, expressing concern about public perception even when seats are uncontested. Staff responded that the change follows state requirements and can save both money and staff time when contests are uncontested.

The council moved, seconded, and approved the resolution during the meeting after hearing the explanation; no public speakers opposed the cancellation during the hearing. The resolution was introduced as item 6 on the agenda and recorded as Resolution 2025‑10.

The council did not provide a numeric vote tally in the transcript; minutes note the motion passed.