While national and state elections are just around the corner, the City of Holbrook is preparing for a spring election in which four seats on the council will be filled.
The terms of Mayor Jeff Hill, Vice Mayor Charles Haussman, and council members Phil Cobb and Bobby Tyler are all expiring.
City Clerk Cher Reyes explained that all of the seats are four-year terms, including the mayor’s seat. In the past, the mayor served a two-year term, but voters approved changing it to a four-year term.
Council packets will be available for those interested in running for city council beginning Monday, Nov. 10.
Candidates for the position of mayor must be a qualified elector and have physically lived within the city limits of Holbrook for at least two years prior to the election. The mayor must also continue to live within city limits while in office. The mayor receives $200 per month as compensation for serving. The mayor has executive and ceremonial duties, according to the city charter, but no daily administrative duties. Under the terms of the charter, administrative duties are delegated to the city manager.
Candidates for city council seats must have resided within city limits for at least two years prior to the election, and must remain living within city limits during their term. Council members receive $100 per month as compensation for their service.
The vice mayor is elected by fellow council members after the newly elected members are seated. The vice mayor acts as mayor in the mayor’s absence.
According to city charter, city employees may not run for mayor or city council. The charter states, “No person is eligible to stand for election or serve as a council member while employed by the city.”
The primary election for city council candidates will be held on March 10, 2015. If necessary, a general election will be held in May.
