Albion seeks county help to fill city council seats

Whitman County commissioners will assist the Albion City Council to fill two positions.

In a letter dated Feb. 24, Albion Mayor Randell L. Crowner requested the commissioners appoint two council members to fill vacant positions for the town.

The council has had a quorum with three councilors, but two more are required.

The positions were vacated by resignations accepted at the Sept. 23 regular council meeting, according to the letter. The positions remain unfilled.

The eligibility requirements for council members are that they be residents and registered voters of the town.

Board Chairman Dean Kinzer said Monday morning that he will request nominations from the council. After they receive nominations, commissioners then will make a decision on the two council members. He also said that he is certain commissioners will have enough time to appoint the new council members.

The council had 90 days from the resignations to appoint two members, but that deadline passed in December.

County commissioners have 180 days to appoint the council members. After that deadline passes, the commissioners have the option of sending the dilemma to the governor who would then appoint the new council members.

Kinzer, however, said he knows they will find two council members before that deadline.