NAMPA, Idaho -- The Nampa City Council met Wednesday during a special session to discuss how the city will select its next mayor but ended the meeting without choosing a replacement.
The meeting was called following the sudden death of Mayor Rick Hogaboam in March after he collapsed during a public meeting, leaving Idaho's third-largest city leaderless.
Council President David Bills, who's carrying the duties of mayor currently, said the meeting was convened "on short notice" to address the mayoral vacancy and consider a possible appointment.
Former Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, who served two terms from 2014 to 2022, asked the council to consider appointing her to temporarily return to office. Kling said she submitted a letter offering to serve the remaining 18 months of Hogaboam's term to provide stability during a difficult period for the city.
"I respect our council. I've been praying for our council," said Kling. "We just need to make the right decision for Nampa."
Kling said the mayor's death prompted her to step forward after previously retiring from public office.
Despite praise from several council members for her experience, a motion to appoint Kling failed during the meeting.
Council members then considered Chief of Staff Clay Long, who currently oversees many day-to-day city operations and was recommended by Kling as an alternative candidate. That motion also failed.
Some council members said they were not ready to make an immediate decision and preferred a more formal process.
"I believe that if we take time, the cream rises to the top,"said Councilwoman Debbie Skaug.
"You wouldn't hire or appoint a CEO for a corporation this size, this fast. This is a big, big decision, probably the most consequential decision this council will ever make,"said councilman Dale Reynolds.
Questions about residency also surfaced during discussion of Long's candidacy, as he does not currently live within Nampa city limits, a concern raised by several council members.
Councilman Sebastian Griffin said the council is navigating an unfamiliar situation while the community continues grieving Hogaboam's loss.
"If there ever is an emergency or an accident, we have to help be a part of the process and role to find a new mayor. We just have never had to do that before. We're all grieving still. Grief takes some time,"said Griffin.
Under Idaho law, cities are required to fill mayoral vacancies, but the method of doing so is left to local governing bodies. The city attorney told council members the municipal code requires the position be filled but provides limited guidance on the process.
The council's temporary leadership arrangement expires June 15. Members said additional public meetings and a possible interview process for candidates are expected, though no firm timeline has been established.
For Kling, the debate extends beyond politics.
"Nampa is the best of what America was, where neighbors still help neighbors,"she said.
"That's my passion."