Item No. 2
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – ACTION ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ANTHONY SUBER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/ CITY CLERK
DATE: JULY 1, 2026
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO CONSOLIDATE AND CALL THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
AND CONTRACT WITH THE CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICE FOR
ELECTION SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt a Resolution calling and ordering a Tuesday, November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election for the Town of Atherton, for the purpose of electing four members to the City Council; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a service agreement with San Mateo County’s Chief Election Officer to conduct the election and authorize the City Manager to enter into a services agreement with the County in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
3. Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo to consolidate a Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election held on that date pursuant to Section 10403 of the Election Code.
BACKGROUND | ANALYSIS
Pursuant to State law and Town of Atherton Municipal Code Section 2.32.010 relating to elections, a regular General Election is to be held on every even-numbered year to fill vacant and/or termexpired council seats. A General Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in which the Town of Atherton Council will have four (4) seats up for election.
Three (3) four-year term seats are open due to expiring terms as of December 2026. One (1) twoyear term seat is open due to an expiring mid-term appointment resultant from a mid-term vacancy.
The two-year term seat has a term expiration of December 2028. The expiring terms are held by Bill Widmer, Rick DeGolia and Stacy Holland. The expiring mid-term appointed seat is held by Eric Lane. In order to meet requirements, set by the Election Code, the City Clerk:
CALLING 2026 ELECTION
JULY 1, 2026
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• Prepared the staff report and resolutions calling and ordering the General Municipal Election; and
• Prepare and execute the San Mateo County Service Agreement to conduct the election and deliver it to the County Chief Elections Officer with a copy of the certified resolution after adoption; and
• Publish a Notice of Election in a local adjudicated newspaper The nomination period opens on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, on Friday, August 7, 2026, unless an incumbent does not file. In the event an incumbent does not file by 5:00 PM on August 7, the filing period will be extended to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget includes $15,000 in preparation for this election. San Mateo County will provide a final accounting and invoice to the Town by January 2027.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal F - Build Community & Promote Civic Engagement
POLICY FOCUS
The recommendations in this report are consistent with Town policies and Council goals.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
CALLING 2026 ELECTION
JULY 1, 2026
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1. Resolution Calling the Election
2. Resolution for Board of Supervisors