2-624. Same; governing body, terms, composition and election; vacancies; annual organization.
2-624
2-624. Same; governing body, terms, composition and election; vacancies; annual organization. (a) The governing body of each extension district shall be composed of four representatives from each county included in the extension district. At the conclusion of the terms of the members first appointed to membership on the governing body of the district, the four members representing each county in an extension district shall be elected in a county-wide election by the qualified electors of the county.
(b) At the conclusion of the terms of the members first appointed to membership on the governing body of the district, each member of the governing body shall hold office for a term of four years and until such member's successor is elected and qualified. Each such term of office shall commence on the date of receipt of certification of election by the member elected and shall continue until the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(c) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this act, an election to elect successors to members of the governing body whose terms are expiring shall be held on the first Tuesday in April in each odd-numbered year.
(2) Elections to choose members of the governing body of an extension district shall be conducted, the returns made and the results ascertained in the manner provided by law for general county elections except as otherwise provided by this act. Not later than 12:00 noon of the Wednesday next following the Tuesday, five weeks preceding the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years, each person desiring to be a candidate for membership on the governing body, in any election, shall file a declaration of candidacy with the county election officer of the county represented by the member of the governing body whose successor is to be elected, as a candidate in such election. The county election officer in making up the ballots and in placing the names thereon shall place the names on the ballots in alphabetical order.
(3) The county election officer of each county within the extension district shall appoint election boards as provided by law for other elections and shall designate places for holding the election. The county election officer shall cause to be ascertained the names of all persons within the district who are qualified electors, and shall furnish lists thereof to the judges of the election. Notice of the time and place of holding each election, signed by the county election officer, shall be given in a newspaper published in the county and posted in a conspicuous place in the office of the governing body at least five days before the holding thereof.
(4) All election expenses shall be paid by the extension district. Election officials shall receive the same compensation as provided under the general election laws.
(e) Any vacancy in the membership of the governing body of an extension district shall be filled by appointment by the governing body for the unexpired term of office. Each member so appointed shall be a resident of the county which was represented by the member creating the vacancy.
(f) The governing body of each extension district shall organize annually in July by electing from among its members a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer.
History: L. 1991, ch. 2, § 2; L. 1994, ch. 225, § 2; July 1.