Marshfield aldermen delay decision on filling mayor’s seat
For the Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD – Marshfield aldermen will wait at least two weeks before deciding if and when to fill the mayor’s office, after removing Bob McManus from the position March 22.
Without taking a formal vote, the common council on April 13 decided to put the issue on the agenda for the next regular meeting April 27, after the annual reorganizational meeting next week. The group decided to delay a vote on the matter until new Alderman Brian Varsho officially takes his seat on the council, after defeating incumbent Ken Bargender in the April 6 election.
City Administrator Steve Barg outlined three options for filling the vacancy in the mayor’s office. He said the council could solicit applications from interested parties and appoint someone, hold a special election to fill what McManus had left on his current term, or wait until the next regular election a year from now.
Saying the community needs healing, Alder Ed Wagner said he favored a special election as soon as possible.
City Clerk Deb Hall said the earliest a special election could be held would be some time in July and there would be additional costs to the city, because Wood County is keeping the meter running so-to-speak, with regards to tabulating voting results.
Alder Rebecca Spiros said she would be interested in hearing more about doing away with the position of mayor, and switching to a city manager style of government.
Current Council President Tom Witzel is now performing the baseline duties of the office, such as presiding over council meetings and signing official documents. The role of council president is up for election during the body’s reorganizational meeting on April 20.