Council looks to fill vacant seat

Arlington City Council member Joshua Roundy resigned on Jan. 11 and applications are now being accepted to fill the vacancy.

Council member Roundy said he is leaving the Council for personal reasons.

“I want to thank the city of Arlington, the staff, the Council, the mayor, and the voters of our community for the great opportunity. I have valued my time on the Council and wish everyone the best moving forward,” he wrote.

The city of Arlington is accepting applications for the vacant City Council seat until 5 p.m. on Feb. 5.

The online application is available at the city’s website at arlingtonwa.gov/396.

“Those without internet access can give us a call here at the mayor’s office,” said Kristin Banfield, communications manager for the city of Arlington.

The number for the mayor’s office is 360-403-3441.

Those applying must be a registered voter who have lived within Arlington city limits for at least one year.

“By state law the appointed person would have to run for election during the next city council elections in 2021,” if they want to retain the seat, said Banfield.

“City Council members are a really important piece of the city,” said Banfield. “They are often more of the vision portion of the organization.”

The Council helps set the direction and goals of city staff.

“It allows the staff to fulfill their priorities with the actual boots on the ground work,” said Banfield.

One of the biggest responsibilities for the City Council is approving Arlington’s biennial budget, which is coming up soon.

“A huge portion of time this upcoming year will be for that,” said Banfield.

Members also spend a lot of time looking at the services provided by the city.

“They look at questions like ‘how do we provide additional services with the incoming growth?’” she said.

Arlington is scheduled to continue growing so there are a lot of challenges and decisions for City Council members, said Banfield.

“It really is an exciting and critical time here at the city,” she said.

The Council plans to begin reviewing applications Feb. 10. All eligible candidates are scheduled to be interviewed on Feb. 18.

The current City Council will ultimately decide the appointee.

By state law, the City Council has until April 11, 2020, to fill the vacancy. The Snohomish County Council has the power to make a selection if the Arlington City Council has not by that date.

“If anyone has questions or problems filling their application they can contact us,” said Banfield.