Decorah City Council member is expected to resign

Decorah City Hall officials say they expect Second Ward Council Member Dan Bellrichard to resign his position by July 31st.  Bellrichard has not officially announced his resignation, but is expected to do so Monday night at the city council meeting.  Sources say Bellrichard is purchasing a home outside the Second Ward.

The city council will then have to figure out how to select a replacement for Bellrichard.  It could decide to fill the vacancy by special election.  The vacancy must be filled within 90 days after it occurs--if the special election is held concurrent with another scheduled election.  If not, the special election would be held at the earliest practical date.

In the past, however, vacancies on the Decorah City Council have been filled by appointment.  The appointment must be made by the remaining city council members within 60 days of the date the vacancy occurred.  If the Decorah City Council again wants to use an appointment to fill a vacancy, it likely would do that on August 5th.

Even if an appointment is made to fill the vacant position, a petition with the adequate number of signatures could force the position to be filled through a special election.