Gentry, Ark. – The Gentry City Council is confronting an unusual election cycle: incumbent Mayor Kevin Johnston has announced he will not seek another term after serving over ten years, and no other individuals have filed to run for the office. With the mayoral seat set to become vacant at the end of the year, council members are reviewing the two pathways provided by Arkansas Act 995, a law enacted in 2025 that outlines how municipalities must handle vacancies in elected offices.
Legal framework under Act 995
During the council’s October 5 meeting, City Attorney Joel Kurtz explained that the statute gives the council two choices. First, the council may appoint a qualified resident to serve as mayor for the remainder of the term. Second, the council can call a special election, allowing voters to choose a successor. However, the law requires the council to formally declare a vacancy before either option can be pursued. Because Mayor Johnston has not resigned and his term does not officially end until December 31, the council has not yet triggered that declaration.
Potential timing for a special election
Councilmember Kyle Jordan, who favors a special election, noted that the earliest the ballot could accommodate such an election would be February of next year. Kurtz cautioned that the statutory “lead‑time” requirements – a few months of notice to voters – make a February election unlikely. “If you decide to call for a special election in January or even February, you could get it on the May ballot,” Kurtz said, indicating that a May election is more realistic under current timelines.
Interim appointment considerations
Should the council opt to appoint an interim mayor, the appointee would serve only until the special election’s results are certified, ensuring continuity of city leadership. Councilmembers Jason Barrett and Kyle Jordan told 40/29 News they expect to receive further guidance from the city attorney before the next council meeting on Nov. 2, where the final decision will be debated.
Community impact and next steps
The lack of candidates has raised concerns among Gentry residents about representation and the direction of city projects slated for the coming year. By addressing the vacancy promptly, the council aims to maintain stable governance for essential services such as public works, police staffing, and upcoming budget discussions.
Council members plan to revisit the issue at the November 2 meeting, where they will vote on whether to declare a vacancy, set a special election date, or move forward with an appointment. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through city‑council broadcasts and the official Gentry website for updates on the process.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
