Portland council acknowledges resignation of long-serving mayor; 30-day window to fill seat
September 21, 2026 | Portland, Ionia County, Michigan
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The Portland City Council opened its Sept. 21 meeting by acknowledging the resignation of Mayor and council member James Barnes and thanking him for 27 years on the council. Mayor Van Sandbrook noted the council would follow charter guidance and asked for a transparent appointment process.
Van Sandbrook said the council has 30 days from Sept. 14 to fill the empty council seat and that if a large number of residents express interest the seat would be decided by the 2027 election. Councilmembers repeatedly thanked Barnes for long service and pledged to follow established precedent for appointing a replacement.
Van Sandbrook said the council has 30 days from Sept. 14 to fill the empty council seat and that if a large number of residents express interest the seat would be decided by the 2027 election. Councilmembers repeatedly thanked Barnes for long service and pledged to follow established precedent for appointing a replacement.
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