The City of Sedalia is inviting residents to apply to fill the vacancy in Ward One following the resignation of Tom Oldham.

Sedalia Mayor Andrew Dawson is launching an open and community-minded appointment process-going beyond state requirements to ensure the public has a chance to observe, engage,and even participate in the future of their ward. Missouri law (RSMo §77.450) allows the mayor to appoint someone to fill a vacant council seat with the consent of a majority of current council members, but Dawson has chosen to bring the community in every step of the way.

Dawson encourages any qualified First Ward resident who’s interested in local government and community improvement to apply.

Once applications are reviewed by Dawson and the Finance & Administration Committee, in-person interviews will take place in the the Council Chambers. The interviews will also be streamed online. If an ideal candidate emerges through this process, they will be nominated for council approval. Dawson says this process will continue and repeat until an idea candidate is found.

Dawson hopes to have a nomination for the council by June or July. Applications are available online at the city’s website or can be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office. You can also download the application here: sedalia_first_ward_application_2025.

Completed applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.