2023 is a local election year for the city of Gainesville. Three seats are up for grabs on the Gainesville City Council and three on the Board of Education.
The following seats with qualifying fees are available:
| Position | Qualifying Fee |
|---|---|
| Council Member, Ward 2 | $994.50 |
| Council Member, Ward 3 | $994.50 |
| Council Member, Ward 5 | $994.50 |
| Board of Education Member, District 2 | $327.60 |
| Board of Education Member, District 3 | $327.60 |
| Board of Education Member, District 5 | $327.60 |
The Gainesville City Council approved the qualifying fees for this year's election at their meeting Tuesday evening.
“I do think what makes our country great is we get the opportunity to run for office. I always encourage people to get involved in the process, and this is their opportunity,” Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon said.
The qualifying period will start on August 21 and run through August 23.
“That is the time when individuals will come to the city clerk's office to file the different documents that need to be filed and to pay the qualifying fee,” Gainesville City Clerk Denise Jordan said.
According to Jordan, per state law, the qualifying fee is 3% of the total gross salary of the office paid in the preceding calendar year including all supplements. The maximum monthly payment for a council member is $2,875. This amount fluctuates each month depending on the number of meetings attended.
Whereas Gainesville Board of Education members earn $450 per month, according to the Board Treasurer Sammy Smith.
Both City Council and BOE members could earn $150 per meeting per diem pay.
