Filling the Open City Council Seat

City Council appoints a new member on July 2—why it matters and what to look for.

The Brief

Make your voice heard this Wednesday, July 2 at noon in City Hall.

City Council will convene to choose a new member to fill the seat vacated in June when Michael Behrmann stepped down. Under the City Charter, the four remaining councilors must appoint someone to serve the balance of the term, which ends on November 9, 2025.

This choice matters. The appointee will cast votes on budgets, zoning, utility rates, and every other issue that shapes Harbor Springs. Although the position is filled by council vote rather than a public election, the consequences will touch every resident, property owner, and visitor.

Show up, listen, and let the City Council know the qualities you expect in the next representative of our community.

What the Charter Says

The City Charter requires a majority of the remaining Council members to appoint a qualified resident to serve the remainder of the term. To be eligible, a person must:

• Be a registered voter of Harbor Springs,

• Have lived in the city for at least two years, and

• Not be in default to the city (e.g., unpaid taxes or utility bills).

What the City Council Needs: A New Voice with Deep Fiscal Knowledge

This moment invites us to do something different. For years, key positions in city government have rotated among a small group of involved community volunteers, usually the same group of people. As a resident wrote recently:

“I don't know what the word is, but the Planning Commission has, as we've lived in this past two years, it gets a lot of attention. Electric. I think one thing that would be very much appreciated is if we could choose someone who has not been on the City Council before. We seem to be in a cycle of we throw in the same people, and it's that fresh person, someone who meets the criteria, a moderate and sensible voice that can offer a different perspective would be valuable……Let’s appoint a person who understands and cares deeply about the entire town and the entire community. A team player.”

We agree. Earlier this year, City Council appointed new voices to the Planning Commission, and it has made a big difference. The community would benefit if that momentum were to continue.

Another resident wrote in saying:

“So, we want a team player for our fifth City Council member, not an applicant that wants to be the leader, but a person that really is for the entire team - our community; we want a person that has the time to pay attention. To minimize conflict of interest, we should avoid prospects that have contracts with the City or work for the City. We want an applicant that works well with others, and who can win a popular vote and not lose.

We want an applicant that is not the leader of the Vote No campaign, because what good would that do for our community for all voters? We want an applicant that has no City Hall baggage and shows a kindness to at least bridge division, or have a simple conversation. We want an applicant that speaks up, shows up and has passion. We want to ask that the City Council choice be an applicant that the community believes wants to Preserve and Protect Harbor Springs. There are a few excellent choices, several we ask you not to choose, because as a town, we want to go forward, not backwards, and we need a real leader to guide us.”

What We Believe the Next City Council Member Should Bring to the Table

Based on our experiences, these are the values that we think the City Council should consider in their evaluation and selection of an applicant:

• Ready on day one: The candidate should already be tracking city business, attending or viewing meetings, and speaking during public comment so there is no learning curve.

• Deep financial fluency: Strong background in budgeting, capital planning, utility finance, and debt management. Able to read an audit, question a millage proposal, and weigh the trade-offs of rate increases or bond funding.

• Independent, business-minded perspective: Leadership in private enterprise, banking, accounting, nonprofit management, or comparable settings that demanded tough, numbers-driven decisions and accountability.

• Consensus builder with gravitas: A calm presence who listens to every viewpoint, asks probing questions without bias, and can broker solutions both camps judge as fair. Rhetoric that inflames or divides should disqualify.

• Transparent and respectful communicator: Committed to public input, clear explanations of votes, and civil debate in the room and online.

• Whole-community focus: Advocates equally for year-round residents, seasonal homeowners, local businesses, and city staff, recognizing their interdependence.

• Guardian of Harbor Springs’ character: Values the historic scale, waterfront vistas, and small-town feel while supporting thoughtful improvements that strengthen long-term vitality.

• Short-term impact, long-term vision: Ready to vote on near-term issues such as utility bonds or short term rentals; yet able to frame those choices within a forward-looking plan for fiscal health and quality of life.

Issues That Need Harbor Springs’ Attention

Given the short duration of the appointment, the selected individual will need to be ready to contribute from day one. While they may choose to run for election in November, the coming months will be critical for the City Council as it addresses several major issues:

• Zoning modernization: Active discussions on refining the ordinance provide an opportunity to balance growth with Harbor Springs’ unique character. A councilor who understands planning, property rights, and design can turn debate into smart, lasting policy.

• Next-generation budgeting: Rising costs and new infrastructure needs call for sharper financial insight. A member with proven budgeting and public-finance skills can keep taxes fair, spending transparent, and long-term obligations under control.

• Smart electric-grid investment: The proposed bond for utility upgrades will shape rates and reliability for decades. We need someone who can translate technical details and financing options into a plan that the public trusts.

• Visionary Master Plan refresh (process begins soon for the 2027 update):
  Crafting a community vision takes fresh ideas and inclusive outreach. A leader skilled in consensus-building can ensure every voice is heard and the final plan guides us confidently into the future.

• Energizing Parks & Recreation governance: Our parks deserve clear direction and enthusiastic stewardship. A councilor who can mentor board leadership and foster collaboration will help these cherished spaces thrive.

Each of these initiatives is an opportunity to raise the bar. The next Council member should actively engage with these issues, listen to residents, and contribute to decisions that will shape Harbor Springs in the months ahead.

Be There: Wednesday, July 2, at Noon

City Council will meet to discuss and appoint a new member on Wednesday, July 2, at 12:00 P.M. at City Hall. Here is the link to attend by Zoom.

Whether you're a full-time resident or a property owner, your attendance matters. This appointment will help shape the direction of Harbor Springs over the next several months and set the tone for the November election.