Willmar, Minn., City Charter requires special election to fill councilman's seat

WILLMAR -- A special election will be required to fill the vacancy that is expected to be created when Willmar City Council member Doug Reese resigns to take a seat at the beginning of next year on the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners.

Reese was elected without opposition to represent District 2 on the county board in Tuesday's general election. The district includes a large segment of the city of Willmar. The seat is now held by Richard Larson of Willmar, who did not file for re-election.

Reese is ending 26 years on the council. City Administrator Charlene Stevens said she assumes Reese will announce his resignation. There are two years remaining in Reese's four-year term.

The City Charter states that a council vacancy occurs upon the resignation of the council member. If the vacancy occurs more than one year before the expiration of the vacant term, the vacancy shall be filled by election.

The charter allows the council to call a special election in the manner provided by law.

Upon learning of the vacancy, the city clerk shall certify that fact to the next general or special meeting of the council and the council shall by resolution set the date for holding the election. Based on that date, the filing period will be established.