Sumner City outlines timeline to fill council vacancy; applications open July 1

City Administrator Jason Wilson told the Sumner City council on June 29, 2026, that the city will advertise a council vacancy on July 1 and accept applications through July 30 at 5:00 p.m., with interviews scheduled for the August 10 study session and an appointment set for the August 17 regular meeting.

Wilson explained statutory qualifications and timing: applicants must have continuously resided within the city limits for at least one year and be registered voters in the city. Under state law, the vacancy must be filled within 90 days; if the council fails to do so, the Pierce County Council may make the appointment.

The council’s rules require an application package (supplemental questions and a resume) with a two‑page limit on supplemental responses; endorsements or additional materials will not be accepted. Interviews are to follow the first-available study session (Aug. 10); council may limit response times based on the number of applicants, and the order of interviews will be set by random draw.

Wilson recommended suspending council rules to swear a new appointee in at the Aug. 24 study session so the appointee can participate in a council retreat and the budget process. He said the appointed member would serve until the November 2027 election results are certified.

Next steps: staff will post the opening on the city website, newspaper of record, and at city hall on July 1 and accept complete applications through July 30 at 5:00 p.m.; interviews will be scheduled for Aug. 10 and the appointment and swearing‑in will follow the process described.