Deer Park is set to expand its city council from five to seven members, a move mandated by state law as the city’s population reaches 5,000. Applications for the two new positions are due by September 3rd, with interviews scheduled for September 4th during the city council meeting at City Hall.
A significant milestone for Deer Park is the city council’s expansion from five to seven members due to the city’s growing population. State law requires this change once a city reaches a population of 5,000, a milestone Deer Park has now achieved. The council had the option to expand earlier but chose to wait until it was legally required. Applications for the new positions are currently open, with a deadline of September 3rd. Interviews will occur at the city council meeting on September 4th at 7pm at City Hall at 316 East Crawford.
The decision to expand the council comes shortly after the appointment of Ellen Standen on July 17th. Standen was sworn in and participated in her first meeting on August 7th, filling the vacancy left by Heather Newsom, who moved out of Deer Park city limits. The council emphasized the importance of prior attendance at council meetings when considering candidates. During the interviews at the July 17th meeting, many applicants stated they were attending for the first time.
Washington State does not impose a specific deadline for appointing new members when a city reaches a population of 5,000. However, if a council position becomes vacant, the city council has 90 days to appoint a replacement. If they fail to do so, the responsibility shifts to the county commissioners. Should the commissioners also be unable to decide within 90 days, the Governor would make the appointment.
Once the two new city council members are appointed, their terms will align with the upcoming 2025 elections.
In 2025, voters will decide which of the newly appointed members will continue in their roles if reelected. However, the terms will differ in length. One newly created position will serve a short two-year term, while the other will serve a full four-year term. This staggered approach ensures continuity within the council and aligns future elections with Deer Park’s standard electoral cycle.
The upgrades to the council chambers, designed to accommodate the expanded number of city council members, will be completed in November.
Residents interested in serving on the city council are encouraged to apply. The city is looking for committed individuals who have demonstrated a genuine interest in local governance, as shown by their participation in council meetings.
