GARDINER — Gardiner officials are seeking letters of interest from those interested in filling the vacant District 1 seat on the City Council.

The vacancy was created when longtime District 1 City Councilor Terry Berry died of cancer in June. He was 69.

Berry was reelected last year, and his term would have ended in January 2025.

To be eligible, those interested must live in District 1, which is the northernmost portion of Gardiner, north of Cobbosseecontee Stream.

The Gardiner City Council, made up of seven city councilors and a mayor, oversees the municipal affairs of the city of Gardiner, including the annual budget and setting city policy. Gardiner is divided into four geographic districts, each represented by a city councilor. Three councilors and the mayor are elected at large. Terms are two years. City councilors are paid $1,000 a year.

Letters of interest should be mailed to Kathleen Cutler, City Clerk, Gardiner City Hall, 6 Church St., Gardiner, ME 04345. They can also may be emailed to [email protected].

The deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. on Aug. 14.

Candidates will be invited to attend the City Council meeting Aug. 21, at which the selection will be made by a vote of the council. Under this appointment, the successful candidate will serve until the next election, when the voters of District 1 will able to elect their representative. The next scheduled election is the Nov. 5 general election.

Mayor Patricia Hart said Thursday that those interested in appearing on the November ballot for the District 1 seat will be able to take out nomination papers July 26. Signatures will be due in early September.

The Gardiner City Council meets at 6 p.m. in the City Council chamber at City Hall.