City of Coachella to discuss options to fill vacant mayor position

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - Coachella is set to discuss the next steps to fill its vacant mayor position next week.

The topic is on the agenda list for Wednesday's city council meeting, which starts at 5:00 p.m.

According to the staff report, the council can either appoint someone to the position within the 60-day period, or before May 23rd, or they can call a special election to fill the vacancy.

The potential cost of holding an all-mailed ballot election to fill the current Mayoral vacancy is approximately $70,000. The next available date for an all-mailed ballot election is August 25. The resident elected would serve the approximate three-month remainder of the term.

Former Mayor Steven Hernandez resigned last week after pleading guilty to one felony count of conflict of interest. Hernandez was sentenced to two years of probation, one day in custody with credit for time served, and 200 hours of community service, along with fines and fees. He is also permanently disqualified from serving in any public office in California.

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