Since June, the newly incorporated city of St. George has drafted a budget, a home rule charter and secured much-needed sales tax dollars to fund its government.Â
Next week, the qualifying window will open on Jan. 29-31 for candidates to throw their hats into the ring ahead of the city's first municipal election on March 29.
Here are the nine seats open for St. George residents wishing to represent the new city.
St. George mayor
Residents who have lived in St. George for at least one year may qualify to run for mayor.Â
Interim Mayor Dustin Yates — who was appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry last year — announced his candidacy earlier this month.
Once the mayor's term begins, the office holder would make $160,000 each year if voters approve St. George's home rule charter.
Police chief
Unlike Baton Rouge, St. George will have an elected police chief.Â
Like Yates, interim Chief Todd Morris has declared his candidacy for the office, which will earn $140,000 annually.
To qualify, candidates must be a resident of what is now St. George for at least year.
City Council
Seven council seats will be up for election in March. Five will represent a district, and two will serve as at-large members.
All candidates must have lived in St. George for at least a year, and district candidates need to be residents of their respective district at the time of qualifying.
A map showing St. George's districts can be
Of the current five-person council, thus far, Ryan Heck is the only member to state publicly he does not intend to run.
The part-time position will earn $36,000 each year.
Home rule charter
St. George also plans to have its home rule charter on voters' ballots in March. The document lays out the new city's type of government, officials' salaries, financial management and more.
A draft of the home rule charter can be found at .
More information about election qualifying can be found at the Secretary of State's website at .
