The verdict was made Monday night after council declared the position vacant. Curtis recently resigned to pursue a new job as a justice of the peace in Peel region.

While dates have yet to be set for nominations and voting, several local residents have already declared their intentions to run in the byelection -- former Ward 4 Councillor John Challinor, downtown businessman Peter Haight and now past Arts Milton president Greg Nelson, who told The Champion after Monday's council meeting that he plans to seek the seat.

All three men ran in the November municipal election. Nelson said he put his name forward in Ward 1 the last time around because he also ran there in 2003 and had gotten to know a lot of the residents.

Now, he'll be fighting for a spot to represent the ward in which he lives.

"There are so many people here I consider close friends," he said.

"But, it's not about geography. It's going to be an election of who can come up with ideas."

Wards 2 and 4 Councillor Colin Best questioned the $50,000 staff estimates will be needed to hold the byelection.

Town Clerk Troy McHarg said the majority of the cost is for staff salaries. The remainder goes to things like advertising, printing costs, voter notification cards and IT support.

Mayor Gord Krantz noted that this is democracy and "no one ever said it was cheap."

A bylaw regarding the byelection will be brought forward for council approval at its March 26 meeting. Then, McHarg will select a nomination day -- the last day to file nomination papers to run for office. The election must be held 45 days following that.

The Town expects it will take place in June.

Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.