After election, City Council will have vacancy

No matter who wins the race for mayor, Henderson is guaranteed to wind up with an empty seat on its City Council.

If Andy Hafen is victorious, his Ward 2 seat will come open as soon as he is sworn in as mayor. If Steve Kirk prevails, the vacancy will be in Ward 4.

City Clerk Monica Simmons said the City Council must decide whether to fill the vacancy through a special election or an appointment process.

Given the city's budget problems, Simmons is betting against an election, which could cost $125,000 to $150,000.

No action will be taken until after the results of the June 2 municipal election are canvassed by the council June 9.

That will be followed on June 16 by the swearing-in of the new mayor, an official declaration of a vacancy on the council and a decision on how to fill the slot.

Simmons said it could take two to three months to organize and hold a special election. The appointment process would take no more than 30 days, she said.