SAFFORD — During a special meeting Monday, the Safford City Council put out the call for citizens interested in serving.
The council unanimously directed staff to start accepting applications from Safford residents interested in serving the remainder of Mayor Jason Kouts’ term.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 26 and applicants will be considered at a subsequent City Council meeting.
Kouts’ seat became open upon his death Jan. 24. The term runs until Dec. 31.
The person selected by the council will serve as a regular member of the City Council and not as mayor. Vice Mayor Richard Ortega was elevated to the position of Mayor Pro Tem upon Kouts’ passing.
The voters will select a new mayor to serve a four-year term starting January 2025, during the August primary or, if no candidate receives 50 percent plus one of the ballots cast, during the November general election.
The City Council also voted 4-2 Monday to select Councilman Arnold Lopez to serve as the new Vice Mayor Pro Tem for the remainder of the calendar year; with Ortega, Lopez, and Councilmen Steve McGaughey and Brad Hemphill voting to affirm.
