Richland searching for new council member to replace mayor

Richland is looking for a new council member after the mayor won a spot on the Benton County Commission.

Mayor Michael Alvarez will leave his seat on the city council on Jan. 3 to take on his new role as one of three commissioners. Alvarez defeated former state Rep. Bill Jenkin to replace outgoing Commissioner Shon Small.

Now the city council is looking for someone to serve the remaining portion of Alvarez’s term.

Applicants need to be at least 18, a registered vote and have lived in Richland for at least two years. They can’t hold another public office except in the National Guard or reserves.

They also must be a U.S. citizen and can’t be a Richland employee.

People interested in the spot can submit a completed application and resume to the city clerk’s office through the city’s website through Dec. 14.

In previous searches, the council has met to whittle down the applicants to three picks before holding formal public interviews.

While the person will get to serve part of his council term, they won’t automatically be named mayor. The city council expects to pick a new council member on Jan. 3, then vote on a new mayor at the Jan. 17 meeting.

The new council member will serve until November, when they will need to run for election to serve the remaining year of Alvarez’s term.

The city council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Workshops are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Anyone with questions can call the city clerk at 509-942-7389.