Brandon Leuallen, The Business Times\

The Grand Junction City Council passed a resolution on April 1 addressing how to handle Council member Robert Ballard’s upcoming military deployment, ultimately deciding to excuse his absences and allow him to participate when he can while overseas.

Ballard, a member of the Army National Guard, is expected to be deployed internationally for approximately one year. City staff brought forward a resolution that would formally excuse any absences related to his service and authorize him to participate in meetings remotely when possible.

The resolution passed on a 6-0 vote with Ballard recusing himself for the agenda item.

The resolution relies on Section 37 of the city’s charter, which states a council seat can be declared vacant after five consecutive absences unless those absences are excused by council action.

Under the resolution, council will prevent Ballard’s seat from being vacated due to deployment-related absences and affirm that he may continue representing District E through virtual participation, subject to military obligations and available technology.

Resolution details

The resolution includes three primary components:

• Expressing formal support for Ballard’s military service.
• Excusing absences tied to deployment to prevent a vacancy.
• Authorizing remote participation when feasible.

It will remain in effect for the duration of Ballard’s deployment and automatically terminate upon his return.

The staff report notes there is no fiscal impact associated with the resolution.