The Decorah City Council Ward 5 vacancy could still be filled by a special election

The Decorah City Council voted Tuesday night to fill the now-empty Ward 5 city council position by appointment.  But that doesn't mean a special election won't be held.

City Clerk-Treasurer Wanda Hemesath says Ward 5 residents can submit a petition calling for a special election.  The petition must contain at least 53 signatures of Ward 5 eligible voters.

The petition must be filed at City Hall within 14 days from the public notice of the vacancy—which will occur September 17th, so that deadline would be October 1st-- or within 14 days from when the city council makes an appointment.