BARTOW, Fla – The City of Bartow currently is seeking applications from persons interested in filling the vacancies created by the recent resignations of Steve Githens and Nick Adams.
The seat vacated by Mr. Githens is an At-Large position and may be filled by any eligible applicant residing in the City limits of Bartow.
The seat vacated by Mr. Adams represents the Central district of the City and must be filled by an eligible person residing within those district boundaries. Applications are available on the City’s website at cityofbartow.net as well as at the Bartow Public Library and other City facilities.
The completed forms must be delivered to the Office of the City Clerk, Bartow City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, by 5 p.m. Friday, January 19.
Read: Auburndale Man Arrested In Winter Haven After Intentionally Ramming Car With His Truck
Selection of the new Commissioners will be made by Mayor Leo Longworth and Commissioners Tanya Tucker and Trish Pfeiffer at a Special Meeting to be held at 9 a.m., Friday, January 26 in the Commission Chambers at Bartow City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave.
Those appointed will be sworn in at the Monday, February 5 meeting of the City Commission and will serve in an interim capacity until newly elected Commissioners are sworn in after the April 2024 regular election.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of Florida, registered voters in Florida and in Polk County, reside within the City limits of Bartow continuously for 18 months immediately preceding the date of commencement for the term of the office and hold no other public office.
Applicants seeking to represent the Central District must reside within that district.
The individuals who are appointed to the City Commission will be required to adhere to the state rules and regulations that apply to all municipal government officials, as well as perform the duties of the City Commission which include attendance at regular and special commission meetings and workshops; consideration of items required by city charter such as acceptance of proposals, grants, agreements, proclamations, awards, etc., and interaction with citizens both formally and informally.
An information session outlining the requirements and responsibilities of Bartow City Commissioners will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 12 in the Commission Chambers at Bartow City Hall. Attendance by interested parties is encouraged but not mandatory for consideration.
Those appointed to serve as interim Commissioners will be eligible to run for a regular seat on the Commission in the April 2 regular election. The regular qualifying requirements will apply to all candidates.
Candidate qualifying for the regular election begins 9 am Monday February 5 and runs through 5 p.m. Friday, February 9. Qualifying packets are available in the City Clerk’s Office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help. Visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.