Karen Taylor-Fawcett, elected in 2023, will be leaving the council and be relocating out of state, City Administrator Jennie Knight confirmed to the Standard-Examiner on Thursday.

Taylor-Fawcett will be resigning after the July 14 City Council meeting, Knight said.

Reached by email, Taylor-Fawcett said that this move was not something she anticipated when she ran for office.

“My husband has been transferred out of state for his job, and while I have been deeply committed to serving the residents of Harrisville and would have been honored to complete my term, my first commitment is to my husband and our family,” she said.

She said she has moved 27 times throughout her life, but Harrisville was different.

“I have called Harrisville home for the past 10 years, making it the longest I have ever lived anywhere,” she said. “Here, I was finally able to put down roots, build lasting relationships, and become part of a community that truly felt like home. It also gave me the opportunity to serve and give back through my role on the City Council, which has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

“Because of that, leaving is bittersweet. While I am excited to support my husband in this next chapter, I am genuinely saddened to leave a city and community that I have come to love so deeply.”

According to a Tuesday Facebook post, Harrisville will fill the vacancy by appointment in accordance with Utah Code §20A-1-510.

The individual appointed will serve through December 2027, the post read.

“Applicants must be a registered voter within Harrisville City, a resident of Harrisville City for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the appointment, not convicted of a felony, treason, or crime relating to elections, and cannot have been declared mentally incompetent,” the post read.

Those interested are asked to submit an application to City Recorder Jack Fogal no later than 5 p.m. July 1. Applications can be submitted in person, by email or by mail.

By mail, applications can be sent to:

Harrisville City Recorder

363 W. Independence Blvd

Harrisville, UT 84404

By email, applications can be sent to jfogal@harrisvillecity.gov.

“Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the Mayor and City Council during an open and public City Council Meeting on July 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM held in the Harrisville City Council Chambers, located at 363 W. Independence Blvd.,” the post read.

“It is anticipated the City Council will make the appointment during the same meeting.”

Taylor-Fawcett was one of three council members elected in 2023 out of four candidates. She received 667 votes, or 26.85%, according to electionresults.utah.gov. W. Grover Wilhelmsen and Blair A. Christensen finished second and third, respectively, with 649 votes (26.13%) and 633 votes (25.48%), respectively.

Taylor-Fawcett called serving on the City Council “one of the greatest privileges” of her life.

“I love this city and have been honored by the trust the community placed in me,” she said.

“Every vote I cast and every decision I made was guided by what I believed was best for the safety, longevity, and sustainability of Harrisville. No decision was ever made lightly. I spent countless hours researching issues, listening to residents, and considering the long-term impact on our community before making decisions.

“I also worked hard to represent all residents of Harrisville, not just those who spoke the loudest or most often. My goal was always to listen to diverse viewpoints, carefully weigh the facts, and make balanced decisions that served the best interests of the city as a whole. While not everyone agreed with every decision, I hope residents know that each choice was made thoughtfully, with respect for the community and a genuine desire to do what was right for Harrisville.

“I have tremendous respect for our city employees, fellow elected officials, volunteers, and the many residents who dedicate their time and energy to making Harrisville a wonderful place to live. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I will always carry a special place in my heart for this community.

“I hope that the decisions I made and the principles that guided them have left a positive legacy and an example for future leaders to follow. My goal was always to approach every issue with integrity, careful research, respect for differing viewpoints, and a commitment to the long-term success of Harrisville. I hope that spirit of thoughtful leadership and service continues to benefit the city for years to come.

“Thank you for allowing me to serve. I leave with gratitude, pride in what we have accomplished together, and confidence in Harrisville’s future. Harrisville will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Contact Standard-Examiner editor Ryan Comer at rcomer@standard.net.