The intent of the city in the adoption of this chapter is to identify the department head positions in the city and establish the process for hiring and removal of department heads in compliance with the authority set forth in RCW 35A.12.090.
(Ord. 1141 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1249, 2017; Ord. 2025-1358, 2/18/2026)
The city shall be organized into departments which shall be directed by heads. There shall be the following department heads: city administrator/treasurer, city clerk, public works director, and police chief.
(Ord. 1141 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1249, 2017; Ord. 1290 § 1, 2019; Ord. 2025-1358, 2/18/2026)
All department heads shall be appointed positions. The council may determine that certain positions be filled pursuant to a contractual relationship, including employment agreement or appropriate collective bargaining agreement. For those positions, the contract shall be negotiated by the mayor and approved by a majority of the whole city council. All department heads shall be appointed by the mayor and shall be confirmed by a majority of the whole city council before assuming office.
(Ord. 1141 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1249, 2017; Ord. 2025-1358, 2/18/2026)
All department heads shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor. Unless a specific contract or agreement with a department head employee provides otherwise, the mayor may remove, suspend, or demote a department head, with or without cause.
(Ord. 1141 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1249, 2017; Ord. 2025-1358, 2/18/2026)