Sterling City Council Split Vote Leaves Ward 2 Seat Vacant

After interviewing two eligible applicants, the Sterling City Council left its March 10 meeting without filling the Ward 2 seat vacated when John Haynie resigned in January for health reasons — deadlocking on every vote it took that night, including a fallback option to simply repost the position.

Nominations for both candidates failed on identical 3-3 splits. Dana Lyons drew support from council members Kristie Knowles, Megan Wolf and Mayor Mark Fuller. Tom Trout received affirmative votes from council members Dean Haynes, Steve Lively and Kellan Raffaeli. Neither nomination reached a majority, so both failed.

When City Manager John Sheldon suggested reposting the vacancy to see whether additional applicants might come forward, that motion also failed 3-3.

"We must fill this vacancy to ensure Ward 2 residents continue to have representation on the council," Mayor Fuller said.

With three consecutive 3-3 votes having exhausted the council's immediate options, members directed city staff to research the requirements and costs of holding a special election and present those findings at the March 24 council meeting. The council postponed any final decision on how to proceed until it receives that information.

The path forward carries significant variables. Beyond a special election, the council could attempt to place a Ward 2 race on the November 2026 ballot — a longer timeline that would extend the vacancy well into next year. The most consequential option discussed was leaving the seat empty until the term expires in 2029, which would leave that portion of Sterling without council representation for three years.

Mayor Fuller announced Haynie's resignation at the January 27 council meeting. The council then opened a 30-day application window and planned to interview applicants publicly before voting on an appointment, with the goal of filling the seat by early March. The March 10 deadlock upended that timeline.

The March 24 meeting, at which staff is expected to present special election options, will be the council's next opportunity to chart a course toward filling the seat.