Opinion No.

The Honorable Andrea Lea State Representative Post Office Box 1342 Russellville, Arkansas 72811-1342

Dear Representative Lea:

This is my opinion on your questions about filling a city council vacancy in a city of the first class. Your request cites the governing statute, A.C.A. § 14-43-411 (Supp. 2009).1

One could summarize the statute's rules as follows:

1. In a smaller city, the council fills each vacancy and must do so at the first regular meeting after it occurs.

2. In a larger city, if the unexpired term is longer than a year, the council chooses whether to fill the vacancy itself or call a…