The council decided against holding a special election because it would cost $595,000, Mayor Harry Price said.
"In these very trying economic times it would not be financially feasible," Price said this morning.
The application process begins today and ends Sept. 19. The City Council will appoint someone after interviews with candidates on Sept. 29 and 30. The interviews will be televised, Price said.
The person selected to fill the remaining three years of Garcia's seat will be sworn in Oct. 7, Price said.
On Tuesday the council is expected to approve a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who fatally shot /*Garcia*/, 22, outside a residence in the 5000 block of Silverado Drive on Sept. 1.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Solano County Board of Supervisors also have offered $50,000 rewards.
Thousands attended a celebration of Garcia's life Wednesday at Armijo High School where Garcia graduated in 2004.
Price has proclaimed Garcia Honorary Mayor 2008. Garcia aspired to become Fairfield's mayor. He was elected to the City Council in November and devoted much of his energy and passion to establishing youth services in the city to keep young people out of gangs.
