Montrose Business Times
The Montrose City Council appointed newly elected councilor Michael “MJB” Badagliacco as mayor for the 2026–2027 term during a largely routine meeting Tuesday night that also included the swearing-in of newly elected officials.
Badagliacco, who was elected earlier this month to represent District I, was nominated for mayor by council member Ed Ulibarri. There were no other nominations, and Badagliacco was appointed, announced by outgoing mayor Dave Frank.
Following his selection, Badagliacco nominated Ulibarri to serve as mayor pro tem. Ulibarri, who was re-elected to represent District II, was also the sole nominee and was approved by the council.
The appointments reflect the city’s process as a home rule municipality, where council members are elected by voters but the mayor and mayor pro tem are chosen internally by the council each year.
Badagliacco and Councilor Adam Woodden were sworn into office during the meeting after winning their respective races in the April 7 municipal election. Woodden was elected to an at-large seat for a two-year term.
According to election results, Badagliacco received 2,075 votes in the District I race, defeating Kevin Clay, who received 2,044 votes, and April Heard, who received 1,204. In District II, Ulibarri won re-election with 2,651 votes, ahead of Ryan Sedgeley with 2,033 and Rachel Betancourt-Ege with 663. In the at-large race, Woodden led with 2,041 votes, followed by Judy Ann Files with 1,654, Greg Cairns with 1,120 and Kendall Cramer with 468.
During the meeting, council members also recognized outgoing mayor Frank for his service over the past year. According to the release, his tenure included a focus on infrastructure projects such as street and sidewalk improvements, upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant and participation in the development of the Montrose Veterans Memorial.
Councilor Judy Ann Files presented Frank with a ceremonial gavel and plaque marking his time as mayor. Frank remains on the City Council.
The meeting also marked the departure of longtime Councilor Doug Glaspell, who was term-limited after first being elected in 2018, and Files, who served in the at-large seat.
A city press release noted both played roles in major projects including the construction of the Public Safety Complex and the ongoing development of a new Public Works facility.
Council appointments for mayor and mayor pro tem are made annually each April, as outlined in the city charter.
