Timnath sets Jan. 27 public hearing on April 7 mail-ballot election; ordinance approved on first reading

The Town of Timnath held the first reading and approved on first reading an ordinance to conduct the April 7, 2026 municipal election as a mail-ballot election and set a public hearing for Jan. 27 at 6:00 p.m.

Staff explained the ordinance recites procedural elements used previously: delegation of duties to the town clerk and assistant designated election official, petition pickup and drop-off windows, the write-in affidavit deadline and authority for the clerk to cancel the election if the number of candidates equals the number of available seats. Staff noted the ordinance is a first reading and that a fuller presentation will be given at the public hearing.

Councilmember Bill Jenkins raised a legal timing question about petition deadlines that precede the ordinance’s effective date; the town attorney (Carolyn Stifel) said the ordinance is reciting dates already established under town code and the Municipal Election Code of 1965 and that reciting deadlines is different from setting them. The council moved, seconded and passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled the Jan. 27 public hearing.