Election Information
7/26/2023
STANWOOD CITY ELECTION NOVEMBER 7th, 2023
This election year Stanwood will have the Mayor position and 3 Council seats up for re-election. The Mayor position is 4 year term and There are Two 4-year terms and One 2-year term positions for City Council. In order to hold office, a candidate must be an eligible elector, meeting the same qualifications required to vote, and be a resident of the city. The winning candidates take office January 1, 2024. Nomination papers can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office or the County Auditor’s Office. Nominees must obtain 10 eligible signatures. Candidate filing begins Monday August 28th and ends with papers due at the City Clerk’s office by 5 pm, Thursday, September 21st, 2023.
The business of city government and local leadership presents a unique opportunity to resolve issues, accomplish goals, and affect the future of your community. The authority of the city resides in the City Council. Council votes on and passes motions, resolutions and ordinances. Resolutions are statements of policy and ordinances are the laws of the city. The votes of each Council member are recorded in the minutes of a meeting. The Council also approves expenditures, the budget, contracts, city policies and zoning changes. The Park Board has the power to make rules and regulations for the use of the park, subject to final approval of the Council. Collectively these officials come together and offer their time and talents for public service.
The City of Stanwood conducts business on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at City Hall. Committee work is accomplished on an as needed basis. Annual compensation for Council members is paid at the rate of $50 per meeting and the Mayor at $200 per month.
The City of Stanwood offers training for new city officials through the Iowa League of Cities. The best example of training sessions available for city officials is the Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA), presented in partnership by the Iowa League of Cities, Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University Office of State and Local Government Programs. These training sessions are designed to cover the basics of city government in Iowa and is the best way for new officials to learn about the legalities and expectations of their new position and to meet both new and experienced city officials.