Council sets election to fill DeLong seat

WASHINGTON - The Washington City Council plans to hold an election to fill the Ward 3 seat recently vacated by Brendan DeLong.

At a special meeting Tuesday night, the council members discussed two options to fill the seat: appoint someone to fill the vacancy or call a special elections.

'In either scenario, the person would fill the unexpired term, and would stand for election in November 2021,” Brent Hinson said in a memo.

DeLong's term expires December 2023.

Mayor Jaron Rosien said three people have reached out interested in the position. Council members felt it is important for the public to make the decision.

Council Member Steve Gault said it is too long of a term to appoint someone.

'An election position should be an elected person,” Gault said.

The special election would cost around $1,800 to $2,500, Hinson said. The plan is to coordinate the special election with the county election to fill Supervisor Abe Miller's seat. Both elections would take place around March 2, Hinson said.

DeLong resigned from his position as a council member after being elected as fire chief.