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DOWAGIAC — The City of Dowagiac is accepting applications for a vacant council seat.

Ward 3 Councilmember James “Jim” Kurdelmeyer resigned from his position last week Friday, June 6. In a letter sent to the city and fellow council members May 29, Kurdelmeyer expressed how much of a privilege it was to serve the community.

“I am honored to have served my city,” he stated.

Born and raised in Dowagiac, Kurdelmeyer graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1978. During his time at DUHS, he wrestled, played football and ran track. He went on to graduate from Ferris State University with a degree in education and a minor in psychology.

After working administrative positions in the Bangor and Stevensville area after college, Kurdelmeyer and his family decided to move back to Dowagiac in 2002, when he began working for the city of Dowagiac in the wastewater department. After four years of that, he switched to working as an electrical and water service technician.

Kurdelmeyer retired from the city in January 2021 before being elected in November 2021 in an uncontested race to replace Leon Laylin as third ward city council member.

The city charter requires council members, in the event of a vacancy, to appoint a temporary replacement councilmember within 30 days, which is July 6. Any Ward 3 residents interested in serving the community as a member of City Council are encouraged to apply for an interim appointed position. To be eligible, they must be registered to vote and have been a City resident for at least one year.

That Ward 3 seat will then be part of the next City election on November 4, 2025. The appointed Ward 3 Councilmember will have the opportunity to run for the seat along with other interested and eligible Ward 3 residents.

Mayor Donald Lyons has appointed a committee of Mayor Pro-Tem Randy Gross, Councilmember Danielle Lucas, and Councilmember Laura Desilets to interview applicants for the open position and offer a consensus recommendation for City Council to consider.

Applications must be received by the City Clerk’s office no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, June 30. The application can be accessed online at https://shorturl.at/coB15, or it can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office at 241 S. Front Street, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Completed applications may be emailed to the City Clerk at cityclerk@dowagiac.org or dropped off. 

Those with questions about the duties and responsibilities of this position are asked to contact the Mayor Lyons or any of the elected City Council members.