Deadline nears for Buckley City Council open seat

Those hoping to fill a vacancy on the Buckley City Council have until the close of business Thursday to submit their name for consideration.

Those hoping to fill a vacancy on the Buckley City Council have until the close of business Thursday to submit their name for consideration.

The Position 3 seat on the seven-member council has been empty for more than a month, since Doug Harple resigned his post. Citing increasing job demands, Harple explained he had insufficient time to dedicate to city matters.

With his departure, it’s up to a council committee to find someone to finish the term, which runs though the end of 2013.

To be considered, candidates must be 18 years of age, have one year of residency in the city and be a registered voter.

The primary job of the council is to set policies that are to be carried out by city staff. The council sets the tone for the city largely through the budget process, charged with adopting a municipal spending plan each winter for the coming calendar year. An advertisement placed by the city details that councilmembers should be able to work in a collaborative manner, be proficient with technology and consider input from a variety of sources while “weighing available options related to complex issues.”

Those wishing to be considered for the council seat must submit a letter of interest and a completed application, which can be obtained at City Hall, 933 Main St. The application also can be downloaded from the city’s website, www.cityofbuckley.com.

Completed application packets must be filed with City Hall be 5 p.m. Thursday.

Council members received $250 per month. They are expected to attend two regular meetings per month – on the second and fourth Tuesdays – plus one workshop and one or two committee meetings.