Lulu Locust, Oxnard City Clerk, presented to the Oxnard City Council a recommendation on how the council should select a mayor pro tem who would serve when the mayor is absent.

Locust told the council that California Government Code sections 34905 and 36801 do not set a fixed term for the mayor pro tem and that the officeholder serves at the pleasure of the council. She noted that on Dec. 11, 2024 the mayor announced the mayor pro tem position would be for a one-year term, but said the announcement is not mandated by state statute. "California government code sections 34905 and 36801 do not specify a fixed term of office for the mayor pro tem," Locust said.

Locust outlined two common selection methods for the council to consider. One method would open the floor for nominations, allow any council member to nominate—including self-nominations—and then hold a vote once nominations are complete; she said a majority of members present would be required to make the selection. The other method she described is appointing the mayor pro tem from among council members according to seniority.

She also explained the operational roles: the mayor is the presiding officer at council meetings and the mayor pro tem fills that role when the mayor is absent; both the mayor and the mayor pro tem have the same voting power as other council members.

Locust concluded the presentation by saying that both she and the city attorney will be available at the Oxnard City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16 to answer any questions. The transcript of this presentation records the recommendation and background but does not record a formal council decision on the selection method or an appointment.

The next procedural step is for the council to take up the recommendation at its scheduled meeting, where members may raise nominations, move a motion, or adopt a seniority appointment if they choose.