Regular 3.
City Council Regular Business Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/12/2026
- TITLE
- Nomination and Election of Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore
- PRESENTED BY:
- Chris Kukulski
- Department:
- City Hall Administration
Presentation:
No
Legal Review:
Project Number:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council nominate and then elect by voice-vote a Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Per the Billings Charter and Billings, Montana City Code, City Council is required to elect by voice-vote a Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore for a 2-year term. The Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore fulfills the duties of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the event both are unable to do so.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
Section 3.05 of the Billings Charter and Section 2-204 of the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) requires a Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore be elected by voice-vote. The election of Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore will be for two-year terms. The Deputy Mayor fulfills the Mayor's responsibilities if he/she is unable to do so for any reason. The Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore fulfills the duties of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the event both are unable to do so. As required by Charter Section 3.05, a Deputy Mayor was elected on November 10, 2025, following the general election on November 4. A Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore must now be elected as this is the first regular meeting of the year following the general election.
Billings Charter Section 3.05. Deputy Mayor. The City Council shall elect at its first meeting following each general election from the Councilmembers a Deputy Mayor, who shall act as Mayor during the absence or disability of the mayor.
BMCC Sec. 2-204. - Election and duties of deputy mayor and deputy mayor pro tempore. At its first regular meeting following each city general election, the city council shall elect by voice vote one of the councilmembers as deputy mayor. At its first regular meeting of the year following each city general election, the city council shall elect by voice vote one of the councilmembers as deputy mayor pro tempore. Both the deputy mayor and deputy mayor pro tempore shall serve two-year terms. In the absence of the mayor, or the mayor's inability from any cause to discharge the duties of his or her office, the deputy mayor shall preside over meetings and exercise all the power and discharge all the duties of the mayor. In case of the absence or inability of both the mayor and the deputy mayor, the deputy mayor pro tempore shall preside and discharge all of the duties of the deputy mayor. The deputy mayor or the deputy mayor pro tempore, while performing the duties of the mayor, shall serve as the acting mayor, and acts performed by such person while acting as mayor shall have the same force and validity as if performed by the mayor.
Billings Charter Section 3.05. Deputy Mayor. The City Council shall elect at its first meeting following each general election from the Councilmembers a Deputy Mayor, who shall act as Mayor during the absence or disability of the mayor.
BMCC Sec. 2-204. - Election and duties of deputy mayor and deputy mayor pro tempore. At its first regular meeting following each city general election, the city council shall elect by voice vote one of the councilmembers as deputy mayor. At its first regular meeting of the year following each city general election, the city council shall elect by voice vote one of the councilmembers as deputy mayor pro tempore. Both the deputy mayor and deputy mayor pro tempore shall serve two-year terms. In the absence of the mayor, or the mayor's inability from any cause to discharge the duties of his or her office, the deputy mayor shall preside over meetings and exercise all the power and discharge all the duties of the mayor. In case of the absence or inability of both the mayor and the deputy mayor, the deputy mayor pro tempore shall preside and discharge all of the duties of the deputy mayor. The deputy mayor or the deputy mayor pro tempore, while performing the duties of the mayor, shall serve as the acting mayor, and acts performed by such person while acting as mayor shall have the same force and validity as if performed by the mayor.
FISCAL EFFECTS
There is no direct financial impact associated with this action.
STAKEHOLDERS
Mayor and Councilmembers
Staff
Staff
ALTERNATIVES
There are no viable alternatives for this item.