Woodlands Board to Act on Director Vacancy

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors has called a special meeting for Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to address a vacancy on the Board following the resignation of Director Richard Franks. The meeting will take place at The Woodlands Township Board Chambers, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. in The Woodlands, TX 77381.

Director Franks recently submitted his resignation, which is officially effective July 15, 2024. Franks was re-elected in November 2022, and his current term was originally set to conclude in November 2024. His departure creates an immediate need for the Board to determine a process for filling the remainder of his term.

During the special meeting, the Board’s first order of business will be to formally accept Director Franks’ resignation. Following this, directors will delve into a discussion of their options for filling the vacant seat. The Texas Election Code, Section 201.054(f), provides the Board with two primary choices in such situations: they can either appoint a qualified individual to the position or call for a special election.

This provision specifically applies when the unexpired portion of a term is less than 12 months. Given that Director Franks’ term was due to expire in November 2024, the remaining time falls within this criteria, granting the Board the flexibility to choose either method.

The decision between an appointment and a special election carries various implications. An appointment typically offers a quicker and more cost-effective solution, allowing the Board to maintain its full composition without the time and expense associated with an electoral process. This option usually involves an application period, candidate interviews, and a formal vote by the remaining directors.

Conversely, a special election provides residents with the opportunity to directly elect their representative for the unexpired term, though it requires significant time for campaigning, election administration, and associated costs. Given that Franks’ seat would be up for re-election for a full new term in the November 2024 general election, the Board will carefully weigh the efficiency of an appointment against the democratic process of a special election.

Maintaining a full Board of Directors is crucial for effective governance of The Woodlands Township, ensuring all community interests are represented in decisions regarding local services, budgeting, and future planning initiatives. The individual chosen or elected to fill Franks’ unexpired term will serve until the November 2024 general election.

The public is encouraged to attend the special meeting. The official agenda and any supporting documents will be made available on The Woodlands Township’s official website at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov in advance of the meeting.