(ABC 6 News) — In Oronoco, the city council meeting ended in disagreement on Wednesday night after members refused to certify election results.

It all appeared to be centered around Erv DeVlaeminck’s seat. He was appointed in February after Dana Bergner resigned but lost the special election last week.

Since more than three years were left on Bergner’s term, the decision to replace or let DeVlaeminck stay was left up to the voters.

“It’s declared a special election, and what happens is, when they decide to hold the special election whatever the results are that person would take over,” city administrator clerk Jason Baker said.

However, a question still remains.

Some councilmembers believe, citing the state’s Director of Elections, his term expired once the seat was filled during the election.

Two state statutes are at the center of the confusion. One says that his term ends once a successor has been named but others argue a different statute says his term doesn’t end until the end of the year.

Daniel Spring’s term, the winner of the special election would begin seven days after the votes of the special election have been canvassed.

“Basically, you canvas the vote and then seven days after the canvas, once the canvas is done that’s when the seven-day timeline starts, so that new day would be Friday the 21st would be the seven days,” Baker said.

The city council is in recess until Friday when it can clarify with the state. They hope to have the matter cleared up so Spring can join the council as soon as possible.