The four seats became vacant following a controversial recall election in April. According to the county, the officials who were recalled have refused to step down.
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Supervisor Richard Valle, who made the motion, said the action would help restore representation in the city.
"It is my great honor and my privilege to make this motion today to put the four seats on the ballot and bring back and restore justice, freedom, and democracy to the city of Avenal," Valle said.
Avenal voters will elect four new representatives in November. County Counsel Laurie Buelna said state Elections Code Section 11381 prevents recalled officials from running in the special election.
"We confirmed with the Secretary of State's office that, in fact, this section does apply," Buelna said.
The vote came one day after Councilmember Ricardo Verdugo, the only council member not recalled, appointed himself mayor of Avenal.
RELATED: Avenal councilmember appoints himself mayor at special meeting amid quorum dispute
Before the board's decision, Avenal residents delivered passionate public comments, expressing frustration after months of dispute involving officials originally elected to represent them.
"I'm going to ask you guys to consider this resolution and pass it, so that we can move on as a community and rebuild," resident Ginger Barrera said.
Another resident, Mario Garcia, urged stronger action.
"What I think we should need next is for the sheriff ... to go out there and get those four city councilmembers out!" Garcia said.
Board Chairman Doug Verboon said the supervisors' decision reflected the wishes of residents.
"We do not work for the government; we work for the people, and I believe the four individuals forgot who they work for," Verboon said.
In a statement provided to Action News, Avenal City Manager Anthony Lopez criticized the timing of the election scheduling, calling it premature and saying the city is still carrying out legal actions recommended by the California Attorney General's Office.
"The last thing our community needs is additional litigation when the courts are already positioned to provide clarity," Lopez wrote.
A key question remains about the city's leadership before the November election. The Board of Supervisors said it does not have the authority to appoint council members.
For now, Verdugo will continue serving in his self-appointed role as mayor until November. However, the city's attorneys are expected to challenge that decision.
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