McCall Idaho Headline News

The city of Donnelly may not conduct business because two of the four seats on the Donnelly City Council could become vacant.

Council member Kimberly Zanier resigned about two months ago and the city has not been able to recruit anyone to fill the seat.

Last week, council member Damon Yerkes submitted his letter of resignation. Yerkes said Wednesday the time demands of the job did not allow him to continue.

If the resignation of Yerkes is accepted, that would leave council members K.C. Hanes and David Coski.

At least three members of the council must be present to do business, according to state law. Mayor George Dorris does not have a vote unless there is a tie between the council members.
The pending resignation-and city government-are in limbo while the city seeks legal advice, Dorris said this week. All the city can do at this point is pay its bills, he said.

If legal opinion comes back that the city has to accept the resignation of Yerkes, "we're screwed," Dorris said.

If no replacement can be found, Gov. Butch Otter would have to appoint at least one replacement to build a quorum.

Dorris described the city's dilemma in a letter dated Friday and mailed with the city's water bills
"While I do not know the legal or practical issues of having to shut down the city, I would prefer not to go there," Dorris said in the letter.

Donnelly has about 60 households, but many homes are rented to contract workers, Dorris said. To serve on the council, a person must live inside city limits.

Dorris said in his letter that he spoke with several people about joining the council but none accepted.

Dorris recognized the limits of his power in the letter.

"I do not have any legal means or right to force anybody," he said.

People willing to serve on city government are needed for the city to function, and they would have to be willing to take on duties that cut into free time, he said.

He estimated time spent would be about seven hours per month for council meetings but additional time will is needed to study documents and other items related to council business.

Council members occasionally attend other meetings of interest like those of the Valley County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Conviction and flexibility are needed, Dorris said.

"Most importantly, you have to express your opinion, defend your opinion, vote your opinion, then accept the majority opinion, whether it is yours or not, and move on to the next issue," he said.

Those interested are asked to provide name, street address, job or profession, and length of Donnelly residency to city hall. To make an inquiry, call city hall at 325-8859.