Jefferson City details requirements for open council seat appointment

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City has outlined its process on its website for replacing now-former Ward 2 Councilman Aaron Mealy.  

The city shared a link on its social media to its website on Wednesday detailing the process, which has a couple of notable differences than what was described to media on Monday night. Mealy had announced his resignation in an email to media following Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Interested residents should “submit a letter of interest outlining their background and qualifications to the City Clerk at EDonaldson@jeffersoncitymo.gov,” the website says.

A resident can be nominated by any council member and must complete a declaration of candidacy form within four working days after they are nominated, the website says. A public form would then be conducted, followed by a council vote. The candidate needs to receive a simple majority of the council vote, the website says.

Qualifications include being a US citizen who is at least 21 years old who has lived within city limits for a year, and within the specific ward for six months. The candidate cannot have unpaid taxes, be guilty of defalcation or have been previously removed as a member of the council, the website says.