The Jefferson County Council is looking for a recruit to replace Jim Terry (District 7, Cedar Hill), who announced last month that he would resign effective May 31.
Under the county charter, the six remaining members must find and appoint a replacement.
Terry, 78, of Cedar Hill, was in the middle of his second four-year term on the council, and the seat will come up for election in 2022.
When he announced his resignation, he cited his frustration with getting issues taken care of, like revising the master plan and putting more priority on code issues.
Terry also said he was frustrated about disagreement over his idea to impose an assessment on new developments to finance streets and other infrastructure that would eventually result from that development.
Since Terry is a Republican, the rest of the council – all Republicans – must choose a Republican to replace him, according to the charter.
The council agreed May 10 to adopt a timeline and process to appoint a replacement.
Applications from people interested in filling the seat will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 31. Applications may be sent to Council administrative assistant Pat Schlette at the Jefferson County Justice Center, 400 First St., in Hillsboro. Schlette’s email address is pschlette@jeffcomo.org.
Those who apply must be at least 24 years old, be a registered voter in the county, be a U.S. citizen for at least 12 months and a resident of District 7 for the same period. District 7 covers a wide geographic area, including Byrnesville, Cedar Hill, Cedar Hill Lakes, Fletcher, Goldman, Grubville, High Ridge, Hillsboro, House Springs, Lake Tishomingo, Morse Mill, Scottsdale and Ware.
Also, applicants must not be in arrears in payment of state income taxes, personal property or real estate taxes or municipal taxes.
People who have been found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor of a federal crime or a felony under state law are not eligible. Neither are registered sex offenders.
The application form will be posted on the county’s website, jeffcomo.org.
In addition to the application form, those applying should provide a resume or biographical information.
Applicants also will be asked to sign an authorization form for a background check.
The council will interview all candidates during a June 3 special meeting, with plans to choose a replacement and swear him or her in before the meeting ends.
The person selected will serve until Dec. 31, 2022. The seat will be up for election in the August 2022 primary election and the November 2022 general election.
Council members are paid $11,478 per year.