Garfield County calls special election to fill County Court Clerk vacancy

Garfield County commissioners on March 9 unanimously approved a proclamation calling a special election to fill the unexpired term of the Garfield County Court Clerk after Janelle Sharp’s retirement.

Vice‑Chairman Reese Wedel moved to approve Resolution 26‑46, which proclaims the need for a special election to fill the County Court Clerk position; the motion passed with Aye votes from Clarence Maly, Reese Wedel and Joe Kegin Jr. The term to be filled expires Dec. 31, 2028, and the clerk’s office will be printed on the same ballot as other county offices, the resolution states.

The action follows Sharp’s retirement effective Dec. 31, 2025 and directs election officials to place the County Court Clerk contest on the ballot so voters may elect someone to serve the remainder of the term. The Board did not take further action during the meeting to set a specific election date beyond the proclamation and notice recorded in Resolution 26‑46.

The Board’s formal approval means county election staff will proceed with the administrative steps required to publish the notice and place the contest on an upcoming ballot, subject to standard election procedures and deadlines.