Mayor Brett Barker will resign from his mayoral seat effective Dec. 31, 2024, prior to beginning his term in the Iowa House of Representatives.
At its most recent meeting, the Nevada City Council approved a resolution to fill the mayor’s seat by appointment. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, all candidates who applied — Brian Hanson and Ricardo Martinez II — were interviewed by a Committee for Mayoral Appointment comprised of three council members, several former mayors, and some community leaders. The Committee’s recommendation is expected to come at the regular City Council meeting on Jan. 13, 2025. The City Council intends to make the appointment that evening. The appointee would assume the office of Mayor on Jan. 13 until the next City election is certified, whether that is a regular or special election. The appointed mayor would serve in the interim.
What is the process for a vacancy of the Mayoral seat?
The City Council must decide to fill the vacancy by appointment or calling for a special election.
What is the most common way cities fill vacant seats?
The standard practice in Nevada and in most city council, school board, and county supervisor vacancies in Iowa is to handle them by appointment in order to save taxpayers the expense of a special election due to the short remaining duration of the term. With just 10 months between the vacancy and the next city election, the City Council intends to fill the remainder of the term by appointment and the office of Mayor would then be elected for a full term in November 2025.
Will the appointment for the Mayoral seat be a 4-year term?
No, the appointment will only be until the next city election in November 2025. That election will determine who will fill the seat for a 4-year term.
How much would a special election cost?
Approximately $10,400 for the special election, in addition to the cost of the regular city election that will be held in November 2025. If a special election is held there would be two mayoral elections in 2025.
How is a special election petition filed?
A petition for special election must be signed by a minimum of 148 eligible electors of the City of Nevada. The petition must be filed with the city clerk no later than 14 days after the appointment is made. The City Council would then call for a special election at its next meeting.
What happens if the City is petitioned to hold an election rather than appoint?
If petitioned, the vacancy must be filled within 90 days after the vacancy occurs. The County Auditor would set an election date and the person elected would take office after the vote is certified, likely in March, serving an 8-month term.
If the race in a special election is not contested (e.g., only one candidate files), is the special election canceled?
Once petitioned to do so, the special election must be held even if no candidates file.
