BLAND — The Bland Board of Aldermen swore in re-elected members Monday night, minus one alderman.

“We received the numbers back from the June 2 election,” said Clerk Carrie Krupp. “Mayor Lee Medlock had 30 votes running unopposed. Alderman Jane Vandegriffe had 38 votes running unopposed. We can swear in both of them.”

However, the second alderman seat that was held by Alderman Tommy Thompson remains unfilled. While the position was on the ballot, only two candidates were written in, each had one vote and neither man wanted it.

“Alderman Tommy Thompson received one vote and Bill Heidbreder received one vote,” Krupp said. “Tommy doesn’t want it and Bill said he just took over the management of Whispering Oaks and his cup is full.”

Spradling asked what they should do about the position and Medlock said they would have to ask friends and neighbors if they are interested in serving, then the board would have to appoint someone.

While Proposition A — allowing the board of aldermen to appoint a marshal instead of elect one — passed 29-9, the marshal’s position was still required to be on the ballot. Former marshal Patrick Boatman resigned in September and the board was unable to fill the position while meeting the ordinance requirements, so it remained vacant.

With no incumbent and no declared candidate, the marshal position was open to write-ins and received two: Don Smith and Hans Rassmusen.

Conversation about whether the marshal write-ins would have to be tracked down commenced since Proposition A passed. Public Works Director Jason Lewis, a former police officer, told the board they did need to track down the marshal write-ins.

“(Prop A) doesn’t take effect until next term,” Lewis said.

“I will contact Don Smith because Hans doesn’t qualify since he lives outside the city limits,” Krupp said.

Spradling asked if it was the Smith she was thinking of, because he was 83 or 88-years-old, although he is a retired police officer. The board agreed it is the same person.

“If Don says no, the mayor and board can appoint someone,” Krupp said.

The elected marshal’s position was a four-year commitment, but it is unclear if the four-year term starts again each time a marshal is elected because a former marshal left before their term was completed. Former marshal Tom Dodson stepped down in 2018 during election time and former marshal Patrick Boatman was elected in 2019, but stepped down in September 2019. The board did not rehire a marshal at that time because no one fit the requirements. Instead they hired Dwayne Goodridge who has been working in the patrolman position for a little over six months.

When asked if the board would have to wait four years before Proposition A took effect, Krupp said she thought it was a moot point.

“If Don Smith says no, then I think this whole thing will be voided,” Krupp said. “I asked the county how it works and they told me as much as they could. You have to put the marshal on the ballot in case Proposition A doesn’t pass. If it does pass with no candidates for the position then it takes effect. However, with the write-in votes, we have to offer it to them if they are eligible. If they refuse, then we start Proposition A.”

Krupp said Medlock tried contacting Smith, but was unable to reach him yet. She feels they will probably continue with the current situation as Goodridge has already assumed the marshal’s responsibilities.