City Council applications sought until Nov. 4

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The City of Roseburg is taking applications to fill a City Council vacancy after Councilor Sheri Moothart resigned Monday, Oct. 3.

Moothart, who chaired the Historic Resource Review Commission, resigned to focus on her new job. She represented the city’s Ward 1, position 2, in northeastern Roseburg since January 2021 after being elected in November 2020.

“My new job is taking up a substantial amount of my time and I feel that I am not representing Ward 1 or the city to the best of my ability,” she wrote in her resignation letter. “I have enjoyed my time on the council and as the chairperson of the Historic Review Commission.”

The Mayor and Councilors are non-salaried, volunteer positions elected by Roseburg residents. Roseburg is divided into four wards, with two Council members representing each ward. Councilors serve a four-year term, with one Council position in each ward up for election every two years. The Mayor, who presides over Council meetings, is elected at-large for a two-year term.

Candidates to fill the vacant seat must live in Ward 1. Ward boundaries can be found on this Roseburg ward map. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Interested Roseburg residents can apply online using this form, or download the form and then email that to info@cityofroseburg.org or turn the form in at City Hall, 900 SE Douglas Ave.

The Council will set up interviews during a public City Council meeting and appoint a replacement to serve until Dec. 31, 2024, when Moothart’s term was set to expire. The seat will be up for election in November 2024. The Council may appoint a replacement at the Council meeting when interviews are held or seek additional candidates to consider at a later date.

The eight-person Roseburg City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month and for special meetings. As the elected legislative body for the city of Roseburg, the City Council is responsible for the scope, direction and financing of City services. The Council is also responsible for establishing land use policies and zoning regulations.

The Council establishes local law and policy that’s administered and implemented by City staff under the council-city manager form of government. The Council gives policy direction to the city manager, who’s responsible for administering City operations. In setting policy, the Council works closely with citizen-advisory commissions and committees, considers City staff information and recommendations, and takes input from interested parties and the public. Councilors review material to prepare for Council meetings, and talk and correspond with ward constituents. Councilors also attend other meetings and may chair a City commission.

For more information about this vacancy, contact Roseburg Assistant City Manager/City Recorder Amy Sowa at asowa@cityofroseburg.org or 541-492-6865.