Salina Begins Process to Fill Vacant City Commission Seat

Expression-of-Interest Process Supported

Wood said state law and city rules provide limited guidance on exactly how applicants must be reviewed. In previous vacancies, the city has generally invited interested residents to submit an expression-of-interest form.

Commissioners indicated support for using that process again.

The City Clerk’s Office already handles expression-of-interest forms and coordinates appointments to Salina’s boards and commissions.

During the discussion, commissioners considered how much time residents should receive to submit an application and how much time commissioners would need to review the submissions.

Some commissioners favored moving quickly, noting that several residents had already informally expressed interest and that the city would benefit from restoring the commission to its full five-member membership.

A possible 10-day or two-week application period was discussed.

Davis said the deadline should provide commissioners with enough time to review all applications before the selection meeting. He also noted that commissioners’ deliberations about the candidates must take place during an open public meeting rather than behind closed doors.

The city commission voted to move forward, and any person interested in being considered for the Salina City Commission has until August 24th to submit their application.