Lane County News

The Springfield City Council is seeking an interim Councilor to serve Ward 4, through December 31, 2024. Community members interested in this opportunity must apply by 5 p.m., March 23, 2023. The application form is available at https://springfield-or.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-Interim-Councilor-Application.pdf and in the City Manager’s Office during regular business hours at 225 5th Street, Springfield.

The interim Councilor must live in the ward where the vacancy is located, cannot be a City employee or a candidate for more than one elective City office, and must disclose any adult felony convictions.

Not sure what ward you live in? Find out at https://bit.ly/SpfldWards

How are vacant seats filled? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Interim Councilor Recruitment Schedule

• February 21, 2023 – Public Hearing and Council approves vacancy process
• February 22 – March 22, 2023 – Advertise/Recruitment Period
• March 23, 2023 – Written Applications due to City Manager’s Office
• April 3, 2023 – Council Work Session – Council decides by consensus the candidates for interview, interview questions and voting process
• April 17, 2023 – Work Sessions – Candidate interviews
• April 17, 2023 – Regular Session – Council deliberation
• April 17, 2023 – Regular Session – Interim Councilor appointment

The Mayor and City Council make up the legislative branch of Springfield’s City government. The Mayor and City Council members serve without pay as volunteers for four-year terms. They set City policy and make decisions regarding ordinances and resolutions, authorizing contracts, setting City goals, and adopting the City’s annual budget. The Mayor and City Council also appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Court Judges, and many residents to serve on advisory committees. The Mayor and City Council guide the City staff to provide the highest quality, lowest cost service to the residents of Springfield.

Council Meeting Schedule

The Springfield City Council  meets regularly in both work sessions and regular meetings. These meetings are open to the public and in conformance with Chapter 192, Oregon Revised Statutes, Public Meetings.

During work sessions, the Council receives information from staff and discusses topics of interest. The work sessions normally are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month beginning at 5:30 p.m. and may also occur on the first and third Mondays of the month at 6 p.m.

During their regular meetings, Council conducts the business of the City and makes policy decisions. The regular meetings are typically held on the first and third Mondays of the month, starting at 7 p.m. If that day falls on a legal holiday, the Council will meet on the next regular business day at the same time.

If advised by the City Manager or when approved by the Mayor or three members of the Council, special meetings may be scheduled. Additionally, Councilors are appointed to a variety of boards, commissions, and committees as Council liaisons; and participate in several community events throughout the year.

Council normally takes a recess during the months of August and December of each year.

Original source can be found here.