Council discusses process to fill open seat

A special City Council meeting was called on Tuesday, Dec. 14 to discuss the selection of a candidate to fill Tilo Cortez’s seat after his resignation.

City Manager Scott Hurlbert opened discussion on the selection process of a council member to replace Cortez who is stepping down at the Dec. 21 meeting.

“The city will be going through the appointment process rather than hold a special election, which is costly,” Hurlbert said.

In other council business, Hurlbert stated a five-year residential and commercial solid waste rate adjustment will continue to be discussed in January as there are several steps to be accomplished before a decision can be reached.

The city is considering outsourcing its residential and commercial solid waste operations and Hurlbert also stated this would mean the city will no longer provide any solid waste collection services.