Council accepts resignation of seat 1 and directs staff to solicit applicants for appointment

The Pecos City Council voted to accept the resignation of Councilmember Paul Colgao Saldonia (seat 1), declaring the seat vacant as of July 16, 2026. Council members acknowledged Saldonia's decade of service while also citing the events leading to his departure and called for ethics‑policy review.

Council then considered options for filling the vacancy — appointment, a special election or appointment plus a special election. Legal and election staff disagreed about whether the charter required appointment; the election administrator said the charter and the secretary of state's guidance support appointment when the vacancy is less than 12 months before the next general election. After extended discussion about democratic representation and charter constraints, council directed staff to publish notices for applicants for an appointment and to proceed with interviews, with the appointee to serve until May 2027 unless the council later calls a special election.