Four positions are open on the Cortez City Council, and the city clerk is accepting candidate applications until 5 p.m. Jan. 24.
The municipal election is slated for April 5, and the newly elected officials will assume their positions on April 26.
Three four-year terms and one two-year term are open.
Vacating their positions are Mayor Mike Lavey, who was elected in 2018; Orly Lucero, who has served two four-year terms beginning in 2014; Robert Dobry, who was appointed in October 2020 to replace the late Sue Betts; and Matthew Keefauver, who was appointed in June 2021 to replace Amy Huckins, who resigned.
Councilors Rachel Medina, David Rainey and Arlina Yazzie remain in their positions with two years left.
The three candidates with the most votes will be elected for four years, and the candidate receiving the next highest amount of votes will serve for two years.
The council will choose the mayor and mayor pro tem April 26.
The 2020 race was one of the most competitive in memory, with 14 candidates running for five seats.
That election saw a 35% voter turnout, with 1,725 ballots returned.
To be eligible to serve as a councilor, candidates must be at least 21 years old, a registered elector and a Cortez resident of at least one year prior to April 5.
Those interested may pick up and drop off petitions and certificate of nomination forms at the Cortez City Clerk’s office at 123 Roger Smith Ave. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Nomination petition signers must be 18 years old, registered to vote and list their Cortez address. Signers can only sign up to four petitions.
Council meetings take place the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
The mayor receives $500 per month, and councilors receive $400.
Voters must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the municipality and a Colorado resident for at least 22 days preceding the election.
Further information and questions about voter eligibility should be directed to Cortez City Clerk Linda Smith, 970-564-4008.
