The Adel City Council recently found itself short one member, and now they begin the process of appointing someone to the open seat.

Former Council member Mike Haynes had to vacate his position after he moved out of Adel, as each member must reside within City limits. Following Haynes’s departure, the Council was presented with a decision to make regarding how they would fill the seat. One option is to appoint a new member, chosen from candidates who express interest in filling the vacancy. Another option would be to hold a special election, and allow the public to decide. After conversations with City Attorney Kristine Stone and Mayor Jim Peters, the Council ultimately decided to pursue the appointment option, as a special election would cost the City a lot more money.

The City is now accepting applications and resumes of anyone interested in serving on the Council, and the candidates will be considered at a meeting in July. Since Adel Council members are all elected as at-large, anyone who lives in the City is a potential candidate to fill the vacancy. After the Council makes a decision on who they want to appoint, Stone says any citizen who disagrees will have 14 days to file a petition to protest the appointment. In the event a petition is submitted, the City will need to hold a special election to fill the vacancy.

Anyone with questions, or who would like to be considered for the open seat, can stop in or call Adel City Hall at 515-993-4525.