Austin City Council approves resolution accepting resignation of councilman Oballa Oballa and to delcare vacancy in 1st Ward at Monday meeting

The Austin City Council approved a resolution accepting the resignation of councilman Oballa Oballa, and to declare a vacancy in the city’s 1st Ward at their regularly scheduled meeting Monday evening.

City Attorney Craig Byram stated to the council in a memo that Oballa submitted his resignation from his position as 1st Ward Councilmember in part due to his leaving the ward for which he was elected, and as such, Byram stated that under the city’s charter, the position is now vacant, and the council is required to appoint an individual to serve in the vacated position.  The resolution approved by the council states that the vacancy in the 1st Ward will become effective on May 31st, and City Administrator Craig Clark will open a period of acceptance of applications and letters of interest in the appointment until the close of business on June 20th.  The city council will consider the applicants, which may include applicant presentations or interviews at a special meeting to be held during the week of June 27th, with the intention of formally filling the position by appointment at that meeting or no later than July 5th.

Citizens who live in the 1st Ward who are interested in serving are asked to please submit a letter of interest to Craig Clark at [email protected]. Oballa, current fellow city councilman Jeff Austin and David Schenck have all filed for the At-Large seat on the council in the November general election, which will force a primary election to be held for the seat on August 9th.