The Indianola City Council voted to appoint a mayor at their meeting Tuesday, voting against having a special election which is expected to cost at least $10,000. The city went through the appointment process in 2020 after the resignation of former Mayor Kelly Shaw, appointing Pam Pepper. Citizens gathered enough signatures to force a special election that took place in March of 2021, which was won by Pepper, but the position was up for re-election that fall for a term beginning in 2022, which was won by former Mayor Stephanie Erickson.

Council members indicated they will begin the process at their next meeting, which includes providing applications to the public who may be interested in the position and interviewing candidates in open session.

A petition requesting a special election for the position of Mayor must be filed with the city clerk within fourteen days of the appointment. If the petition is filed, the appointment by the council is temporary, and will be filled through a special election later this year. If a petition for a special election is not filed, the term will expire at the end of this year.