Plans are crystallizing for filling the Emporia City Commission with the recent passing of longtime commissioner Danny Giefer.
City Manager Trey Cocking says the city will accept applications for residents wanting to fill the unexpired term. Current city commissioners are working on the dates for when that process will start and end, but Cocking says the earliest start date would be July 17, when city commissioners have their next set of meetings.
Cocking says the appointee would serve at least until January 2026. The appointee is eligible to run on next year’s ballot.
Erren Harter, who had previously been serving as the city’s vice mayor, is now serving as mayor. A vice mayor will be selected July 17.
Giefer passed away Saturday after battling cancer for over a year. Funeral services have now been announced, with family visiting friends at the White Auditorium Little Theater at 6 pm Thursday, a Rosary at Sacred Heart Church at 2 pm Friday and Mass of Christian Burial at 3 pm Friday. Cremation will follow later.
