On Tuesday, Dec.11 the San Marcos City Council decided unanimously on a process to replace former Council Member Rebecca Jones who was sworn in as the newly elected San Marcos Mayor.
Jones leaves behind an at-large council seat, which will be filled by appointment. The term of the vacant council seat is from the date of appointment to December 2020.
When a vacancy occurs, the council must take steps to fill the position by either appointment or special election.
“Time constraints, cost and process are important with either option,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones. “Knowing it would cost our taxpayers more than $600,000 to hold a special election while also extending the time frame for filling the vacancy, I think Council can come to a consensus on an appointment.”
Council members Jenkins, Nuñez and Walton echoed Mayor Jones’ sentiment and expressed a preference for an election but agreed it would be difficult to justify the cost and are very hopeful that a quality applicant will surface.
With the application period opening Thursday, Dec. 13, those interested in applying for the seat must submit an application along with a resume to the City Clerk’s office no later than Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 pm.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, reside within the San Marcos city limits and be registered to vote in the City of San Marcos at the time the application is received.
All candidates who meet the criteria for appointment will be interviewed by the council during a special meeting that is open to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 6 pm. The applicant may then be asked to respond to questions that the City Council may have regarding their qualifications or application.
The City Council may make a decision at the special council meeting or may direct staff to place the matter on a future agenda for action. City Council has 60 days from the time the seat was vacated to make its decision.
For more information or appointment application materials, visit www.san-marcos.net/councilappointment or contact the San Marcos City Clerk’s Office at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3105.
