Two leave Yacolt Town Council, citing health reasons

The Yacolt Town Council is down two members after Monday’s meeting, when Mayor Jeff Carothers and Councilor Nancy Tester both announced their resignations due to health-related issues.

Carothers, who has served as mayor since 2011, said he stepped away from the council due to health issues stemming from his military service. In a letter read to at Monday’s council meeting, Tester said her health issues won’t allow her to carry out the duties of councilor, a post she was appointed to in 2016. She wasn’t at Monday’s meeting, and her resignation was effective as of June 1. Carothers’ resignation is effective on June 30.

The two positions are now open to Yacolt residents. The mayor serves as the town’s chief executive officer, with duties that include supervising the town’s staff, presiding over council meetings and managing the town’s day-to-day operations. Councilor Vince Myers will serve as Yacolt’s mayor pro tem until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Any registered voter who lives in the town’s boundaries can apply, and applications will be accepted through July 7. Candidate interviews will take place at the July 17 council meeting, after which replacements will be selected by the council. Anyone interested in applying for either position can contact the town at 360-686-3922.

The newly appointed mayor will serve through 2019, when the four-year position will be up for regular election. Tester’s council position is scheduled for election in November, so the newly appointed councilor will take over until the election. Yacolt resident Malita Moseley was the only person to file for that council seat in November’s election.

If one of the other councilors applies for and is chosen to replace Carothers, the town will open up that person’s spot on the council to the public, as well.