This year, 3 seats will be up for election on Orchid's 5-member Town Council. Each seat will have a 4-year term lasting through early November 2030. All 3 incumbents, Mayor Bob Gibbons and Councilmembers John Heanue and Jim Raphalian, have decided against seeking reelection.
They've all done a great job and are eager to encourage new representation to continue the Town's work.
The first day of the local Qualifying Period is Wednesday, April 1. The deadline for qualifying as a candidate is Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. A candidate for Orchid must be registered to vote at an address in the Town of Orchid (i.e., the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club community). So far, 2 residents have already filed preliminary paperwork: Mr. Paul Stach and Mr. Bill James.
Are you interested in tossing in your proverbial hat too? Please contact the Town Clerk to request a Candidate Information Packet, which provides a lot of very helpful details to guide you through the process.
Annually, the Mayor and Vice-Mayor are selected from the Council by the Councilmembers. The Town Council generally meets once a month at Town Hall on the first Wednesday at 9 a.m. for a regular meeting. In addition, special meetings may be called from time to time as needed.
During summer months, regular meetings are usually canceled. Annually, there are 2 state-required meetings in September, scheduled about a week apart to adopt the Town's annual budget, and it is the Town's legal counsel's preference for all Councilmembers to attend these in-person. Councilmembers also serve on a variety of regional and county committees regarding matters of interest in Indian River County and along the Treasure Coast.
Although Councilmembers serve without compensation, the "job" is very rewarding in other ways. Talk to current and former Councilmembers to get their perspectives. And of course, Town staff is happy to answer any questions you may have as well!