Five people, including Elgin Mayor JJ Francais, are vying to be the town’s next mayor.
Francais, who has served as mayor since 2021, is seeking a second term in the mayor’s seat. His opponents in the April 1 municipal election include:
• Arthur Malone.
• Elgin City Councilwoman Holly Martinez.
• Hannah A. Vaughn.
• Paul Tracy.
Two other seats on the Elgin City Council are also up for election this year.
Incumbent Steven D. McKee, who represents Ward 1 on the council, is seeking another term in office. Elgin resident Phil Britcher is running unopposed for the Ward 3 seat.
Ward 3 is currently represented by Councilman Fred Guevara, who is not seeking reelection.
All council members, including the mayor, serve four-year terms.
Lodging tax When Elgin voters go to the polls to choose their council representatives April 1, they will also decide whether the town may impose a tax on hotel and motel rooms – also known as a lodging tax.
Earlier this year, the council authorized the town to implement the tax subject to voter approval. If the measure passes, visitors who rent a hotel or motel room in Elgin would pay a 7% lodging tax in addition to other taxes and fees.
People who live in Elgin would not pay the lodging tax.
Francais has said Elgin needs some kind of incentive so it can compete with other cities trying to recruit a hotel developer.
Southwest Ledger reported earlier this month that city off icials are considering other types of incentives for hotel developers, such as reducing their water rates or waiving building permit fees, but have not committed to what an incentive program would look like.