The Jefferson City Council has determined how to fill a vacant seat on the council.

They recently voted 3-1 in favor to fill the seat by appointment. Jefferson Mayor Pro Tem Harry Ahrenholtz says the primary reasons were the appointment would last until this November when the next general election would happen and the cost of having an election was estimated at $4,500. He points out there will be two additional council seats up for election coming this November as well.

“So it appeared to those that voted in favor of it that, that would be ample opportunity, if there is excess interest in that, rather than doing that election now, the general election time coming up would be a better time to settle that.”

The one caveat was that the Council would approve whoever Mayor Craig Berry recommended. However, on the off-chance that the Council disapproves the recommendation, and if there were others that were interested, the Council would continue through the list until they approved someone. Ahrentholez points out another possibility that could happen, following their appointment.

“There are other things that could happen. I mean there could be a petition that would arise out of this forcing a special election. If that’s the case, then we would go back to the election.”

The vacancy was from the resignation of long-time Council member Larry Teeples. He resigned in lieu of a charge against him for alleged extortion, which was later dropped by the Greene County Attorney’s office. The Council must appoint a new member by May 5th, or the City will be forced to hold a special election. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter to Mayor Berry or City Hall, along with references of any prior governmental experience.