An empty Perryville City Council seat could be filled Thursday night during a special called meeting.

Three of the five remaining council members have requested a special meeting be held to discuss the seat, which was vacated during the June 7 regular meeting, when it was announced that former council member Jerry Houck had resigned. Houck resigned due to no longer owning property in city limits, according to news archives.

According to state law, a special called meeting of a city’s legislative body can occur if the mayor or a majority of the legislative body calls for the meeting.

The effort to call a meeting Thursday was spearheaded by council member Paul Webb, who said he believes the seat needs to be filled quickly.

“I think, with everything going on with council, we should have a full council,” Webb said.

The council is working to approve a budget for the next fiscal year, among other things. The budget that passed first reading Monday includes a first-time $1,000 contribution to Main Street Perryville and funding for a new part-time police officer position.

Webb said he had asked Mayor Anne Sleet last week to put the council seat on the agenda for Monday’s special called meeting, but that didn’t happen. By law, public agencies can only discuss items on the agenda during special called meetings.

The council has 30 days to appoint someone from the day Houck resigned, according to state law.

Webb said he is aware of at least three people who will be considered to fill the empty seat.

IF YOU GO

A special called meeting of the Perryville City Council will be held 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss possible appointment of a city council member.