AN ACT To repeal sections 72.300, 77.370 and 77.450, RSMo 2000, relating to certain municipalities, and to enact in lieu thereof three new sections relating to the same subject. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1 of this section, in cities which contract with another entity for police service, the city council may eliminate the office of marshal. The attorney shall be a person licensed to practice law in Missouri, and the council, by ordinance, may provide for the appointment of an attorney, by the mayor with the approval of the council, in lieu of electing an attorney. If so appointed he shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor and council. The term of office for each of the officers is two years except the office of mayor and the marshal which are four-year terms.
All officers hold office until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
The council, by ordinance, may provide that any officer of the city except the mayor and the councilmen shall be appointed instead of elected. Such ordinance shall set the manner of appointment, in accordance with section 77.330, and the term of office for each appointive officer, which term shall not exceed four years. When any such vacancy occurs within six months of a municipal election, no election shall be called to fill such vacancy, but the same shall be filled by the mayor or the person exercising the office of mayor by appointment. Any vacancy in the office of councilman which occurs within the six months shall be filled by election, in such manner as may be provided by ordinance. The council may adopt procedures to fill vacancies consistent with this section.