The race will be held next month along with the Columbia mayoral election.
Members of the public fill Columbia City Council chambers Wednesday morning.
/ Sara Jane Harris
COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Columbia City Council has come to a resolution on when to hold an election to fill the vacant seat left Tuesday by E.W. Cromartie's resignation.
Early Wednesday afternoon, the council decided voting will take place on April 6, along with the city's mayoral election.
However, that decision isn't final. It still awaits a go-ahead from Attorney General Henry McMaster.
At Wednesday's meeting, the two issues at hand were determining differences between state and city law, and what's best for the city.
A city law states that 90 days notice is required before holding an election. State law, which trumps city law, requires only 60 days. City Attorney Kevin Gaines took the stand and suggested a special election on June 15 to give time to comply with the rules and give candidates time to get things in order.
But citizens living in District II want representation sooner than that.
That's why Mayor Bob Coble wants the Attorney General's input. McMaster's decision on the legalities of an earlier election was requested during a recess, but he needed additional time to reply.
If the April 6 election is shot down, a special election will be held at a later date costing the city anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000.
On the other hand, if the city does proceed with the April date, the election risks lawsuits and the possibility of results being thrown out.
The empty seat is a result of Councilman Cromartie's agreement to plead guilty to federal charges of failing to pay more than $25,000 in taxes and is expected to be sentenced to a year in federal prison.
Related Stories:
POLL - Council election date - Today at 3:12 p.m.
When do you think the City of Columbia District II council election should be held? April 6 with the scheduled mayoral election, or at a later date in a special election.
Councilman resigns from city council - Yesterday at 3/9/2010 5:37:27 PM
Just Monday, Cromartie agreed to plead guilty to federal tax evasion charges.
Councilman to plead to tax evasion, resign - Monday, March 08, 2010
Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie II has agreed to plead guilty to federal tax evasion charges and could face up to 25 years in prison.
RAW Interview - Finlay on Cromartie tax evasion - Monday, March 08, 2010
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH