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Those interested in running for an Austin city office during the 2020 election cycle can apply for candidacy anytime between 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

The following seats are up for election this year:

Mayor – 4-year term, currently held by Mayor Tom Stiehm

• Salary – $12,600.00/year (proposed)

• Benefits: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Policy, P.E.R.A.  Membership (optional)

• Requirements: Must be 21, an Austin resident, and a registered voter in the City of Austin.

• Job Description: Runs council meetings, head of the Police Department, Chief Executive Officer of the City, attends many meetings, and appoints members to various boards.

• Time Commitment:  Approximately 20 hours per week (varies with office holder).

Council Member – First Ward – 4-year term, currently held by Councilwoman Laura Helle

• Salary – $9,300.00/year (proposed)

• Benefits: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Policy, P.E.R.A.  Membership (optional)

• Requirements: Must be 21, an Austin resident, and a registered voter of First Ward.

• Job Description: Attends two monthly city council meetings and work sessions on the first and third Mondays of the month and serves on a variety of other committees and boards.

• Time Commitment:  Approximately 10 hours per week (varies with office holder).

Council Member – Second Ward – 4-year term, currently held by Councilman Steve King

• Salary – $9,300.00/year (proposed)

• Benefits: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Policy, P.E.R.A.  Membership (optional)

• Requirements: Must be 21, an Austin resident, and a registered voter of Second Ward.

• Job Description: Attends two monthly city council meetings and work sessions on the first and third Mondays of the month and serves on a variety of other committees and boards.

• Time Commitment:  Approximately 10 hours per week (varies with office holder).

Council Member – Third Ward – 4-year term, currently held by Councilman Paul Fischer

• Salary – $9,300.00/year (proposed)

• Benefits: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Policy, P.E.R.A.  Membership (optional)

• Requirements: Must be 21, an Austin resident, and a registered voter of Third Ward.

• Job Description: Attends two monthly city council meetings and work sessions on the first and third Mondays of the month and serves on a variety of other committees and boards.

• Time Commitment:  Approximately 10 hours per week (varies with office holder).

Utility Board Member – 3 4-year terms, currently held by Thomas Baulder, Tyler Hulsebus and Kris Johnson

• Requirements: Must be 21, a resident of the City of Austin who is not an employee of Austin Utilities, and a registered voter in the City of Austin.

• Job Description: Attends board meetings held at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Austin Utilities Board Room. The Board has three committees: Budget Committee, Personnel Committee, and Mower County Water Management Committee that meet periodically throughout the year.

• Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per month, plus various special meetings.

The cost to file is $25.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are filing options available. According to Austin City Clerk Ann Kasel, although City Hall is closed, candidates may still file at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. A sign will be placed on the door with a number candidates can call to be let in. Candidates may also make an appointment with Kasel by calling 507-437-9943 or emailing AnnK@ci.austin.mn.us.

The Minnesota Secretary of State has an Affidavit of Candidacy that may be found online at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/1027/affidavit-of-candidacy.pdf. Affidavits must be signed in front of a notary or City Clerk staff. Kasel said candidates may email a completed affidavit that has been signed in front of a notary to AnnK@ci.austin.mn.us.

Candidates that email affidavits are responsible for arranging payment of the $25 filing fee.