Spratt steps down from council, voters headed to polls in December

EAGLE STAFF

A by-election happens in December after Joe Spratt resigned from town council.

Spratt has moved to an acreage outside the municipal limits and becomes ineligible to serve on council. He was elected a year ago.

The election happens on Dec. 3, councillors agreed during their regular meeting on Oct. 6.

“I have truly enjoyed my time and learnt so much,” Spratt wrote in a message dated on Sept. 16. “It opened my eyes immensely.”

Mayor Trevor Hay expressed appreciation to Spratt for “his efforts working with us,” along with “his views on things along the way,” in reluctantly accepting the resignation.

The earliest the by-election could be held is Dec. 3, said Darcy Olson, the town’s chief administrator. The town must publish a notice asking for nominations, which are due by Oct. 29.

Amanda Bors, the chief administrative assistant, will serve as returning officer, with Olson officially retiring later this month and a replacement not yet chosen.

Usually, the chief administrative officer fills that role, Olson noted in suggesting councillors pass a resolution expressly naming Bors the returning officer.