By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The 4th Ward within the Great Bend City Council has been at
half representation since last December, but the governing body took action
Monday night to remedy that. Councilmember Brock McPherson has missed 16 consecutive
meetings. In June, the council passed an ordinance stating when a council
member fails to take the oath or is absent from four consecutive regular meetings
they are deemed to have resigned and the position is vacant.
Mayor Cody Schmidt said the process to find a replacement for McPherson will
begin immediately.
"I think we were all aware of this and knew it was coming," said Schmidt. "We have reached that point. We now to begin the process of finding an elector for this appointment. By the next council meeting is when I would like to fill this."
Citizens residing in the 4th Ward are eligible to apply for the city
council vacancy. Applications can be picked up at City Hall (1209 Williams) or on the city’s
website (greatbendks.net) and need to be returned by Aug. 14 at 4 p.m.
McPherson has served on the city council since 2017 and was elected to his
fourth term during last fall’s General Election. McPherson last attended a
regular meeting Dec. 5, 2022.