By Shaun Szkolnik, for the Tribune
ARGO – The city of Argo held a regularly scheduled council meeting on Monday, July 8.
The council discussed how to proceed with the seat left vacant by the resignation of Councilman Ronnie Bowman. Before any decision could be made, the council had to hold a vote to officially declare the seat as vacant. This was passed unanimously.
City Attorney Johnny Brunson addressed the council as to the options that lay before them.
“It is at the discretion, at this point, of the council if you want to fill that and to some degree how you want it filled,” said Brunson. “It could be a nomination and a vote of the council, it could be applications and a vote of the council, or the seat could remain vacant.”
The council could choose to let the seat remain vacant, but this position would have to be approved by a vote. If that were the path chosen by the council, the seat would remain vacant for 14 months, until the next election.
“Where we are now is the . . . mayor and council have full discretion as to how we go forward from here today,” said Brunson. “The only time limit is from today we will have 60 days to fill that seat.”
Mayor Betty Bradley informed Brunson that she believed that the 60 days started at the time of Bowman’s resignation.
“I believe it will be from the time that the seat is declared vacant,” said Brunson. “Because that is the time that y’all took action on it. I will verify that and make sure.”
The council decided, because Council President Anthony Alldredge was out of town on a business trip, to call for a special meeting on Wednesday, July 10, at 6 p.m. That way all remaining council members would be available to make a decision on what to do going forward.
In other news, the council was addressed by Argo Teen Council President Katie Whitfield. Whitfield announced to the council that their National Night Out was scheduled for Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will be held at Argo City Hall and will include a tour of the emergency vehicles and a chance for the public to meet the council members. There will also be music provided by a local musician.