The North Bend City Council will begin its search for a new member this month, following the surprising resignation of a longtime member last month.

In a statement last week, the city announced it would start accepting applications to fill its vacant position No. 4 seat in October.

The seat has been left open since Sept. 1, following the resignation of Ross Loudenback, who was first elected to the city council in 2006, and won re-election in 2021. His term does not expire until the end of 2025.

“Ross has been a consistent, strong advocate for economic opportunity and public safety throughout nearly two decades of service on city council,” Mayor Rob McFarland said in a statement.

“You’re gonna be missed,” McFarland added at a recent council meeting.

Loudenback announced his resignation at the July 18 city council meeting, noting he purchased a new home that is outside of city limits — making him ineligible to hold office in the city.

“It’s been a blast. I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me,” Loudenback said of his tenure. “I’m gonna miss it very much.”