The city of Philomath is accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on the Planning Commission following the resignation of longtime volunteer and former mayor Van Hunsaker.
Hunsaker, who also served on the city’s Budget Review Committee, submitted his resignation from both bodies in a July 30 letter to city officials.
The resignation capped a pointed critique of the city’s budget process. Hunsaker argued that Budget Committee members needed more meeting time to review the proposed budget, took issue with a rule barring line-item discussion and criticized the council’s decision to let staff submit a budget that included a fee increase rather than requiring a balanced budget without one.
“The experience I had as mayor back in the 1990s was proven to be the best financial plan in the state,” Hunsaker wrote. “The fact that I have brought this information forward is only my interest to help the city to do better. The fact that nothing has been implemented, you’ll have to ask yourselves why. Hopefully one day, this staff, a new staff or a new council will be elected who will want to be the best financially.”
Hunsaker ended his letter with his resignation effective immediately.
“It’s not worth my time and effort for my recommendations to simply be ignored,” he wrote.
The city thanked Hunsaker for his service and contributions to the community in announcing the vacancy.
The Planning Commission is made up of seven volunteers who advise the City Council on community development and land use matters. The open seat’s term runs through Dec. 31, 2027.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with the appointment set for the council’s Sept. 14 meeting. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 9 to be considered at that meeting.
Residents interested in applying can find the application on the city’s website or contact City Recorder Crystal Weber at Philomath City Hall, 980 Applegate St., or by calling 541-929-6148, option 5.