Tie Vote Leaves Eldon's Ward 3 Seat Vacant, Coin Toss Set for Monday

Following the municipal election, the Eldon Board of Aldermen convened for its first regular meeting. Sarah Walker and Terri Benjamin were sworn in to fill the seats in wards 1 and 2, while the Ward-3 representation remains vacant due to a tie vote between Brian Phillips and Bryon Hull. The tie will be broken by a coin toss on Monday, with the winner being sworn in at the subsequent meeting.

Following a closely contested election last week, the Eldon Board of Aldermen convened for its first regular meeting on Tuesday evening, where the majority of its composition was finalized.

Upon the departure of outgoing Alderman Clancy Boots from Ward 3, Sarah Walker and Terri Benjamin took oaths of office as newly elected aldermen for Wards 1 and 2, respectively.

However, Ward 3 remains vacant due to a tie vote on election day between Brian Phillips and Bryon Hull, each of whom received 43 votes. To resolve this impasse, a coin toss will be held on Monday at noon at the Depot. The victor will be sworn in at the next regular meeting.

The remaining aldermen present expressed their gratitude for Alderman Boots's service and welcomed their new colleagues. They acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the need to fulfill the vacancy in Ward 3 and address the urgent issues facing the city.

Mayor Mark Smith emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among the aldermen, urging them to work together in the best interests of Eldon. He stressed the need for open and transparent communication with the community and pledged to facilitate regular updates on municipal affairs.

The board proceeded with its agenda, deliberating on various matters of local concern, including infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives, and community outreach programs. Members engaged in thoughtful discussions, seeking consensus on key decisions.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming coin toss to determine the Ward 3 alderman. The board expressed confidence that the outcome would be fair and transparent, paving the way for a complete and functioning city government.