Fort Frances town council is expected to decide tonight how to fill the seat vacated earlier this month by David Kircher.

Kircher resigned after the town’s Integrity Commissioner found he violated several sections of the Council Code of Conduct.

A report from the town clerk’s office outlines four options for filling the seat.

It recommends appointing a candidate who ran for council in the 2022 election.

Kaleb Firth was the only other person on the ballot.

Other options open to council include advertising for the position and having council select a person among the applicants received.

This was done in 2013 with the passing of Deputy Mayor Sharon Tibbs.

Doug Kitowski was selected among four people who applied for the position.

Council also could put forward names to consider or hold a by-election.

The only by-election held in Fort Frances happened in 2007 and was won by Ken Perry, who was later defeated in a bid for mayor in 2022.

If council considers that option, the seat may not be filled until October because of requirements that must be followed under the Municipal Act.

It is also seen as the most expensive option.

The last election cost $42,793 to run, and the clerk’s office suggests the costs for a by-election would be around the same amount

No budget has been set aside for a by-election.