Council certifies one recall petition and begins setting special election timeline

Staff reported that three recall petitions were filed with the city on Aug. 4 seeking removal of multiple council members; county reviewers found only one petition met the legal signature threshold to move forward. The council adopted a resolution certifying the signature review and directed staff to work with the Humboldt County Registrar of Voters to set a special municipal election.

County election staff told the council their recommended election date is Dec. 9 to maximize turnout and avoid holiday conflicts, and estimated the city’s cost would likely fall between $8,000 and $12,000; the draft resolution set an upper bound of $15,000 as a cushion. Council members debated whether to set a date that night or to continue the decision to a special meeting on Sept. 9; a motion to continue the date selection to Sept. 9 carried. The council also authorized staff to work with the county registrar to determine whether the election should be mail‑only or a combination of mail and in‑person ballots.

The certified petition will be placed on the ballot in accordance with the county schedule; staff will return with a finalized election date after the special meeting.