The Woodward City Council thought the matter involving their open mayor position was resolved following their appointment of Todd Folkerts at their regular meeting on October 8th. However, 10 days later a petition was submitted by residents to demand a special election.

The petition was submitted on October 18th and its validity was confirmed by the Council at a special session held Wednesday evening. As a result, the City is required to hold a special election to select a mayor, which is estimated to cost around $3,000. Folkerts is expected to run for the seat he was originally appointed to, but his paperwork will have to be filled out prior to the election, along with anyone else who is interested in running for mayor. The Council passed a resolution Wednesday to submit the paperwork for the special election to the Dallas County Auditor’s Office. Once it’s received, the Auditor’s Office will set a time and date for the election.

Additionally, given that Folkerts is currently a City Council member, his seat will also need to be filled. The Council was originally expected to appoint a replacement at their regular meeting in November, but since there’s now a special election in the works, the open Council position will also be on the ballot. The whole scenario was put into motion after former Mayor Brian Devick announced his resignation in September, citing health concerns as his reason for stepping down. He had one year left on his term.

Raccoon Valley Radio will continue to follow this story as it develops.