HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Havre City Council convened on Tuesday night and canceled the 2021 municipal elections due to the fact that all races only have one candidate.
This comes after Ward 4 Alderman candidate Tony Gabrielsen dropped out of the race in early August, leaving incumbent Sarah McKinney as the only remaining candidate.
In addition to McKinney, the following candidates have been elected by acclamation, and will begin their terms in January:
- Mayor: Douglas A. Kaercher (incumbent)
- City Judge: Janie M. Hedstrom (i)
- Ward 1 Alderman: Kimberly Bolta
- Ward 2 Alderman: Heather Parker
- Ward 3 Alderman: Lindsey Ratliff (i)
- Ward 3 Alderman (2-year unexpired term): Andrew R. Brekke (i)
Kaercher is currently Havre’s finance director, and estimates the lack of an election will save the city around $8,500.
Other action taken at the meeting:
- Appointment of Beth Williams to the Library Board
- Approval of August claims and manual warrants
- The opening of a public hearing on the 2022 city budget. The hearing went into recess and will reconvene at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 8th. Kaercher says the budget is similar to last year’s, although they will be bringing in around $4 million in COVID-relief dollars that they are working on a plan to utilize, with priorities such as infrastructure projects
