reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.190 - Legislative ordinances and resolutions.

RCW 35.17.190
Legislative ordinances and resolutions.
Every resolution and ordinance adopted by the commission shall be signed by the mayor or by two members of the commission and filed and recorded within five days of its passage. The mayor shall have no veto power.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.190. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 10, part; RRS § 9099, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.200 - Legislative—Appropriations of money.

RCW 35.17.200
Legislative—Appropriations of money.
No money shall be appropriated except by ordinance and every such ordinance complete in the form in which it is finally passed shall remain on file with the city clerk for public inspection at least one week before final passage.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.200. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 16, part; RRS § 9105, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.210 - Legislative—Street improvements.

RCW 35.17.210
Legislative—Street improvements.
Every ordinance or resolution ordering any street improvement or sewer complete in the form in which it is finally passed shall remain on file with the city clerk for public inspection at least one week before final passage.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.210. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 16, part; RRS § 9105, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.220 - Legislative—Franchises—Referendum.

RCW 35.17.220
Legislative—Franchises—Referendum.
No franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways, bridges or other public places shall be granted, renewed, or extended except by ordinance and every such ordinance complete in the form in which it is finally passed shall remain on file with the city clerk for at least one week before final passage and if the franchise or grant is for interurban or street railways, gas or waterworks, electric light or power plants, heating plants, telegraph or telephone systems or other public service utilities, the ordinance must be submitted to a vote of the people at a general or special election and approved by a majority of those voting thereon.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.220. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 16, part; RRS § 9105, part.]
NOTES:
Times for holding elections: RCW 29A.04.311 through 29A.04.330.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.230 - Legislative—Ordinances—Time of going into effect.

RCW 35.17.230
Legislative—Ordinances—Time of going into effect.
Ordinances shall not go into effect before thirty days from the time of final passage and are subject to referendum during the interim except:
(1) Ordinances initiated by petition;
(2) Ordinances necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety which contain a statement of urgency and are passed by unanimous vote of all the commissioners;
(3) Ordinances providing for local improvement districts.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.230. Prior: (i) 1911 c 116 § 22, part; RRS § 9111, part. (ii) 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.240 - Legislative—Referendum—Filing suspends ordinance.

RCW 35.17.240
Legislative—Referendum—Filing suspends ordinance.
Upon the filing of a referendum petition praying therefor, the commission shall reconsider an ordinance subject to referendum and upon reconsideration shall defeat it in its entirety or shall submit it to a vote of the people. The operation of an ordinance so protested against shall be suspended until the referendum petition is finally found insufficient or until the ordinance protested against has received a majority of the votes cast thereon at the election.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.240. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 22, part; RRS § 9111, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.250 - Legislative—Referendum—Petitions and conduct of elections.

RCW 35.17.250
Legislative—Referendum—Petitions and conduct of elections.
All provisions applicable to the character, form, and number of signatures required for an initiative petition, to the examination and certification thereof, and to the submission to the vote of the people of the ordinance proposed thereby, shall apply to a referendum petition and to the ordinance sought to be defeated thereby.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.250. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 22, part; RRS § 9111, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.260 - Legislative—Ordinances by initiative petition.

RCW 35.17.260
Legislative—Ordinances by initiative petition.
Ordinances may be initiated by petition of registered voters of the city filed with the commission. If the petition accompanying the proposed ordinance is signed by the registered voters in the city equal in number to twenty-five percent of the votes cast for all candidates for mayor at the last preceding city election, and if it contains a request that, unless passed by the commission, the ordinance be submitted to a vote of the registered voters of the city, the commission shall either:
(1) Pass the proposed ordinance without alteration within twenty days after the county auditor's certificate of sufficiency has been received by the commission; or
(2) Immediately after the county auditor's certificate of sufficiency for the petition is received, cause to be called a special election to be held on the next election date, as provided in RCW 29A.04.330, provided that the resolution deadline for that election has not passed, for submission of the proposed ordinance without alteration, to a vote of the people unless a general election will occur within ninety days, in which event submission must be made on the general election ballot.
[ 2015 c 146 § 5; 2015 c 53 § 29; 1996 c 286 § 4; 1965 c 7 § 35.17.260. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2015 c 53 § 29 and by 2015 c 146 § 5, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.270 - Legislative—Initiative petition—Submission procedures.

RCW 35.17.270
Legislative—Initiative petition—Submission procedures.
The petitioner preparing an initiative petition for submission to the commission shall follow the procedures established in RCW 35.21.005.
[ 1996 c 286 § 5; 1965 c 7 § 35.17.270. Prior: (i) 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part. (ii) 1911 c 116 § 20, part; RRS § 9109, part. (iii) 1911 c 116 § 24; RRS § 9113.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.280 - Legislative—Initiative petition—Checking by clerk.

RCW 35.17.280
Legislative—Initiative petition—Checking by clerk.
Within ten days from the filing of a petition submitting a proposed ordinance the city clerk shall ascertain and append to the petition his or her certificate stating whether or not it is signed by a sufficient number of registered voters, using the registration records and returns of the preceding municipal election for his or her sources of information, and the commission shall allow him or her extra help for that purpose, if necessary. If the signatures are found by the clerk to be insufficient the petition may be amended in that respect within ten days from the date of the certificate. Within ten days after submission of the amended petition the clerk shall make an examination thereof and append his or her certificate thereto in the same manner as before. If the second certificate shall also show the number of signatures to be insufficient, the petition shall be returned to the person filing it.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2018; 1965 c 7 § 35.17.280. Prior: (i) 1911 c 116 § 20, part; RRS § 9109, part. (ii) 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.290 - Legislative—Initiative petition—Appeal to court.

RCW 35.17.290
Legislative—Initiative petition—Appeal to court.
If the clerk finds the petition insufficient or if the commission refuses either to pass an initiative ordinance or order an election thereon, any taxpayer may commence an action in the superior court against the city and procure a decree ordering an election to be held in the city for the purpose of voting upon the proposed ordinance if the court finds the petition to be sufficient.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.290. Prior: (i) 1911 c 116 § 20, part; RRS § 9109, part. (ii) 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.300 - Legislative—Initiative—Conduct of election.

RCW 35.17.300
Legislative—Initiative—Conduct of election.
Publication of notice, the election, the canvass of the returns and declaration of the results, shall be conducted in all respects as are other city elections. Any number of proposed ordinances may be voted on at the same election, but there shall not be more than one special election for that purpose during any one six-month period.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.300. Prior: (i) 1911 c 116 § 20, part; RRS § 9109, part. (ii) 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
NOTES:
Canvassing returns, generally: Chapter 29A.60 RCW.
Conduct of elections—Canvass: RCW 29A.60.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.310 - Legislative—Initiative—Notice of election.

RCW 35.17.310
Legislative—Initiative—Notice of election.
The city clerk shall cause any ordinance or proposition required to be submitted to the voters at an election to be published once in each of the daily newspapers in the city not less than five nor more than twenty days before the election, or if no daily newspaper is published in the city, publication shall be made in each of the weekly newspapers published therein. This publication shall be in addition to the notice required in RCW 29A.52.355.
[ 2015 c 53 § 30; 1965 c 7 § 35.17.310. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.330 - Legislative—Initiative—Effective date—Record.

RCW 35.17.330
Legislative—Initiative—Effective date—Record.
If the number of votes cast thereon favor the proposed ordinance, it shall become effective immediately and shall be made a part of the record of ordinances of the city.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.330. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.340 - Legislative—Initiative—Repeal or amendment.

RCW 35.17.340
Legislative—Initiative—Repeal or amendment.
Upon the adoption of an ordinance initiated by petition, the city clerk shall write on the margin of the record thereof "ordinance by petition No. . . . .," or "ordinance by vote of the people," and it cannot be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.340. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.350 - Legislative—Initiative—Repeal or amendment—Method.

RCW 35.17.350
Legislative—Initiative—Repeal or amendment—Method.
The commission may by means of an ordinance submit a proposition for the repeal or amendment of an ordinance, initiated by petition, by submitting it to a vote of the people at any general election and if a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition favor it, the ordinance shall be repealed or amended accordingly.
A proposition of repeal or amendment must be published before the election thereon as is an ordinance initiated by petition when submitted to election.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.350. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.360 - Legislative—Initiative—Repeal or amendment—Record.

RCW 35.17.360
Legislative—Initiative—Repeal or amendment—Record.
Upon the adoption of a proposition to repeal or amend an ordinance initiated by petition, the city clerk shall write upon the margin of the record of the ordinance "repealed (or amended) by ordinance No. . . . .," or "repealed (or amended) by vote of the people."
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.360. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 21, part; RRS § 9110, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.370 - Organization on commission form—Eligibility—Census.

RCW 35.17.370
Organization on commission form—Eligibility—Census.
Any city having a population of two thousand and less than thirty thousand may organize as a city under the commission form of government. The requisite population shall be determined by the last preceding state or federal census or the council may cause a census to be taken by one or more suitable persons, in which the full name of each person in the city shall be plainly written, the names alphabetically arranged and regularly numbered in a complete series, verified before an officer authorized to administer oaths and filed with the city clerk.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.370. Prior: 1927 c 210 § 1; 1911 c 116 § 1; RRS § 9090.]
NOTES:
Census to be conducted in decennial periods: State Constitution Art. 2 § 3.
Determination of population: Chapter 43.62 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.380 - Organization—Petition.

RCW 35.17.380
Organization—Petition.
Upon petition of electors in any city equal in number to twenty-five percent of the votes cast for all candidates for mayor at the last preceding city election therein, the mayor by proclamation shall cause to be submitted the question of organizing the city under the commission form of government at a special election at a time specified therein and within sixty days after the filing of the petition. If the plan is not adopted at the special election called, it shall not be resubmitted to the voters of the city for adoption within two years thereafter.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.380. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 2, part; RRS § 9091, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.390 - Organization—Ballots.

RCW 35.17.390
Organization—Ballots.
The proposition on the ballot shall be: "Shall the proposition to organize the city of (name of city) under the commission form of government be adopted?" followed by the words: "For organization as a city under commission form" and "against organization as a city under commission form." The election shall be conducted, the vote canvassed, and the result declared in the same manner as provided by law in respect to other city elections. If a majority of the votes cast are in favor thereof the city shall proceed to elect a mayor and two commissioners.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.390. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 2, part; RRS § 9091, part.]
NOTES:
Canvassing returns, generally: Chapter 29A.60 RCW.
Conduct of elections—Canvass: RCW 29A.60.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.400 - Organization—Election of officers—Term.

RCW 35.17.400
Organization—Election of officers—Term.
The first election of commissioners shall be held at the next special election that occurs at least sixty days after the election results are certified where the proposition to organize under the commission form was approved by city voters, and the commission first elected shall commence to serve as soon as they have been elected and have qualified and shall continue to serve until their successors have been elected and qualified and have assumed office in accordance with RCW 29A.60.280. The date of the second election for commissioners shall be in accordance with RCW 29A.04.330 such that the term of the first commissioners will be as near as possible to, but not in excess of, four years calculated from the first day in January in the year after the year in which the first commissioners were elected.
[ 2015 c 53 § 31; 1994 c 223 § 11; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 18; 1965 c 7 § 35.17.400. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 13; 1955 c 55 § 10; prior: 1943 c 25 § 1, part; 1911 c 116 § 3, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9092, part.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.60.280(1).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.410 - Organization—Effect on ordinances—Boundaries—Property.

RCW 35.17.410
Organization—Effect on ordinances—Boundaries—Property.
All bylaws, ordinances and resolutions in force when a city organizes under the commission form shall remain in force until amended or repealed.
The boundaries of a city reorganized under the commission form shall not be changed thereby.
All rights and property vested in the city before reorganization under the commission form shall vest in the city as reorganized and no right or liability either in favor of or against it, existing at the time and no suit or prosecution shall be affected by the change.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.410. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 4, part; RRS § 9093, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.420 - Organization—Revision of appropriations.

RCW 35.17.420
Organization—Revision of appropriations.
If, at the beginning of the term of office of the first commission elected in a city organized under the commission form, the appropriations for the expenditures of the city for the current fiscal year have been made, the commission, by ordinance, may revise them.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.420. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 19; RRS § 9108.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.430 - Abandonment of commission form.

RCW 35.17.430
Abandonment of commission form.
Any city which has operated under the commission form for more than six years may again reorganize as a noncommission city without changing its classification unless it desires to do so.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 47 § 3; 1965 c 7 § 35.17.430. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 23, part; RRS § 9112, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.440 - Abandonment—Method.

RCW 35.17.440
Abandonment—Method.
Upon the filing of a petition praying therefor, signed by not less than twenty-five percent of the registered voters resident in the city, a special election shall be called at which the following proposition only shall be submitted: "Shall the city of (name of city) abandon its organization as a city under the commission form and become a city under the general laws governing cities of like population?"
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.440. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 23, part; RRS § 9112, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.450 - Abandonment—Conduct of election—Canvass.

RCW 35.17.450
Abandonment—Conduct of election—Canvass.
The sufficiency of the petition for the abandonment of the commission form of city government shall be determined, the election ordered and conducted, the returns canvassed and the results declared as required by the provisions applicable to the proceedings for the enactment of an ordinance by initiative petition to the extent to which they are appropriate.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.450. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 23, part; RRS § 9112, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.17 - Commission Form of Government. › 35.17.460 - Abandonment—Effect.

RCW 35.17.460
Abandonment—Effect.
If a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition of abandoning the commission form of city government favor the proposition, the city shall be reorganized under general laws immediately upon the first election of city officers, which shall be held on the date of the next general city election of cities of its class. The change in form of government shall not affect the property, rights, or liabilities of the city.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.17.460. Prior: 1911 c 116 § 23, part; RRS § 9112, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.010 - The council-manager plan.

RCW 35.18.010
The council-manager plan.
Under the council-manager plan of city government, the councilmembers shall be the only elective officials. The council shall appoint an officer whose title shall be "city manager" who shall be the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of city or town government. The city manager shall be responsible to the council for the proper administration of all affairs of the city or town.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2019; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.010. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 2; prior: (i) 1943 c 271 § 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-17, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 12, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-21, part. (iii) 1949 c 84 § 2, part; 1943 c 271 § 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-26, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.030 - Laws applicable to council-manager cities—Civil service.

RCW 35.18.030
Laws applicable to council-manager cities—Civil service.
A city or town organized under the council-manager plan shall have all the powers which cities of its class have and shall be governed by the statutes applicable to such cities to the extent to which they are appropriate and not in conflict with the provisions specifically applicable to cities organized under the council-manager plan.
Any city adopting a council-manager form of government may adopt any system of civil service which would be available to it under any other form of city government. Any state law relative to civil service in cities of the class of a city under the council-manager type of government shall be applicable thereto.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.030. Prior: (i) 1949 c 84 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-33. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 10, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-19, part. (iii) 1943 c 271 § 21; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-30.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.040 - City manager—Qualifications.

RCW 35.18.040
City manager—Qualifications.
The city manager need not be a resident. He or she shall be chosen by the council solely on the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to his or her actual experience in, or his or her knowledge of, accepted practice in respect to the duties of his or her office. No person elected to membership on the council shall be eligible for appointment as city manager until one year has elapsed following the expiration of the term for which he or she was elected.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2020; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.040. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 4; prior: (i) 1949 c 84 § 2, part; 1943 c 271 § 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-26, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 12, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-21, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.050 - City manager—Bond and oath.

RCW 35.18.050
City manager—Bond and oath.
Before entering upon the duties of his or her office the city manager shall take the official oath for the support of the government and the faithful performance of his or her duties and shall execute and file with the clerk of the council a bond in favor of the city or town in such sum as may be fixed by the council.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2021; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.050. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 5; prior: 1943 c 271 § 12, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-21, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.060 - City manager—Authority.

RCW 35.18.060
City manager—Authority.
The powers and duties of the city manager shall be:
(1) To have general supervision over the administrative affairs of the municipality;
(2) To appoint and remove at any time all department heads, officers, and employees of the city or town, except members of the council, and subject to the provisions of any applicable law, rule, or regulation relating to civil service: PROVIDED, That the council may provide for the appointment by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council, of the city planning commission, and other advisory citizens' committees, commissions and boards advisory to the city council: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the city manager shall appoint the municipal judge to a term of four years, subject to confirmation by the council. The municipal judge may be removed only on conviction of malfeasance or misconduct in office, or because of physical or mental disability rendering him or her incapable of performing the duties of his or her office. The council may cause an audit to be made of any department or office of the city or town government and may select the persons to make it, without the advice or consent of the city manager;
(3) To attend all meetings of the council at which his or her attendance may be required by that body;
(4) To see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully executed, subject to the authority which the council may grant the mayor to maintain law and order in times of emergency;
(5) To recommend for adoption by the council such measures as he or she may deem necessary or expedient;
(6) To prepare and submit to the council such reports as may be required by that body or as he or she may deem it advisable to submit;
(7) To keep the council fully advised of the financial condition of the city or town and its future needs;
(8) To prepare and submit to the council a tentative budget for the fiscal year;
(9) To perform such other duties as the council may determine by ordinance or resolution.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2022; 1987 c 3 § 5; 1965 ex.s. c 116 § 1; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.060. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 6; prior: (i) 1949 c 84 § 2, part; 1943 c 271 § 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-26, part. (ii) 1949 c 84 § 1; 1943 c 271 § 15; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-24. (iii) 1949 c 84 § 3, part; 1943 c 271 § 18, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-27, part.]
NOTES:
Severability—1987 c 3: See note following RCW 3.70.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.070 - City manager—May serve two or more cities.

RCW 35.18.070
City manager—May serve two or more cities.
Whether the city manager shall devote his or her full time to the affairs of one city or town shall be determined by the council. A city manager may serve two or more cities or towns in that capacity at the same time.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2023; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.070. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 13; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-22.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.080 - City manager—Creation of departments.

RCW 35.18.080
City manager—Creation of departments.
On recommendation of the city manager, the council may create such departments, offices and employments as may be found necessary and may determine the powers and duties of each department or office.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.080. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 16; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.090 - City manager—Department heads—Authority.

RCW 35.18.090
City manager—Department heads—Authority.
The city manager may authorize the head of a department or office responsible to him or her to appoint and remove subordinates in such department or office. Any officer or employee who may be appointed by the city manager, or by the head of a department or office, except one who holds his or her position subject to civil service, may be removed by the manager or other such appointing officer at any time. Subject to the provisions of RCW 35.18.060, the decision of the manager or other appointing officer, shall be final and there shall be no appeal therefrom to any other office, body, or court whatsoever.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2024; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.090. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 7; prior: (i) 1949 c 84 § 2, part; 1943 c 271 § 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-26, part. (ii) 1949 c 84 § 3, part; 1943 c 271 § 18, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-27, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.100 - City manager—Appointment of subordinates—Qualifications—Terms.

RCW 35.18.100
City manager—Appointment of subordinates—Qualifications—Terms.
Appointments made by or under the authority of the city manager shall be on the basis of executive and administrative ability and of the training and experience of the appointees in the work which they are to perform. Residence within the city or town shall not be a requirement. All such appointments shall be without definite term.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.100. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 8; prior: 1949 c 84 § 2, part; 1943 c 271 § 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9198-26, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.110 - City manager—Interference by councilmembers.

RCW 35.18.110
City manager—Interference by councilmembers.
Neither the council, nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his or her removal from, office by the city manager or any of his or her subordinates. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the manager and neither the council nor any committee or member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the city manager, either publicly or privately: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the council, while in open session, from fully and freely discussing with the city manager anything pertaining to appointments and removals of city officers and employees and city affairs.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2025; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.110. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 14; prior: 1943 c 271 § 19, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-28, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.120 - City manager—Removal—Resolution and notice.

RCW 35.18.120
City manager—Removal—Resolution and notice.
The city manager shall be appointed for an indefinite term and may be removed by a majority vote of the council.
At least thirty days before the effective date of his or her removal, the city manager must be furnished with a formal statement in the form of a resolution passed by a majority vote of the city council stating the council's intention to remove him or her and the reasons therefor. Upon passage of the resolution stating the council's intention to remove the manager, the council by a similar vote may suspend him or her from duty, but his or her pay shall continue until his or her removal becomes effective.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2026; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.120. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 17; prior: 1943 c 271 § 14, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-23, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.130 - City manager—Removal—Reply and hearing.

RCW 35.18.130
City manager—Removal—Reply and hearing.
The city manager may, within thirty days from the date of service upon him or her of a copy thereof, reply in writing to the resolution stating the council's intention to remove him or her. In the event no reply is timely filed, the resolution shall upon the thirty-first day from the date of such service, constitute the final resolution removing the manager, and his or her services shall terminate upon that day. If a reply shall be timely filed with its clerk, the council shall fix a time for a public hearing upon the question of the manager's removal and a final resolution removing the manager shall not be adopted until a public hearing has been had. The action of the council in removing the manager shall be final.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2027; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.130. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 18; prior: 1943 c 271 § 14, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-23, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.140 - City manager—Substitute.

RCW 35.18.140
City manager—Substitute.
The council may designate a qualified administrative officer of the city or town to perform the duties of manager:
(1) Upon the adoption of the council-manager plan, pending the selection and appointment of a manager; or
(2) Upon the termination of the services of a manager, pending the selection and appointment of a new manager; or
(3) During the absence, disability, or suspension of the manager.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.140. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 19; prior: 1943 c 271 § 14, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-23, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.150 - Council—Eligibility.

RCW 35.18.150
Council—Eligibility.
Only a qualified elector of the city or town may be a member of the council and upon ceasing to be such, or upon being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, or of violating the provisions of RCW 35.18.110, he or she shall immediately forfeit his or her office.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2028; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.150. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 15; prior: (i) 1943 c 271 § 19, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-28, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 9, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-18, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.160 - Council—Authority.

RCW 35.18.160
Council—Authority.
The council shall have all of the powers which inhere in the city or town not reserved to the people or vested in the city manager, including but not restricted to the authority to adopt ordinances and resolutions.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.160. Prior: (i) 1943 c 271 § 9, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-18, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 10, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-19, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.170 - Council meetings.

RCW 35.18.170
Council meetings.
The council shall meet at the times and places fixed by ordinance but must hold at least one regular meeting each month. The clerk shall call special meetings of the council upon request of the mayor or any two members. At all meetings of the city council, a majority of the councilmembers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a less number may adjourn from time to time and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as may be prescribed by ordinance. Requests for special meetings shall state the subject to be considered and no other subject shall be considered at a special meeting.
All meetings of the council and of committees thereof shall be open to the public and the rules of the council shall provide that citizens of the city or town shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any meetings in regard to any matter being considered thereat.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2029; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.170. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 20; prior: 1943 c 271 § 7; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.180 - Council—Ordinances—Recording.

RCW 35.18.180
Council—Ordinances—Recording.
No ordinance, resolution, or order, including those granting a franchise or valuable privilege, shall have any validity or effect unless passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members of the city or town council. Every ordinance or resolution adopted shall be signed by the mayor or two members, filed with the clerk within two days and by him or her recorded.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2030; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.180. Prior: 1959 c 76 § 3; 1943 c 271 § 11; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.190 - Mayor—Election—Vacancy.

RCW 35.18.190
Mayor—Election—Vacancy.
Biennially at the first meeting of the new council the members thereof shall choose a chair from among their number who shall have the title of mayor. In addition to the powers conferred upon him or her as mayor, he or she shall continue to have all the rights, privileges and immunities of a member of the council. If a vacancy occurs in the office of mayor, the members of the council at their next regular meeting shall select a mayor from among their number for the unexpired term.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2031; 1969 c 101 § 1; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.190. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 9; prior: 1943 c 271 § 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-17, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.200 - Mayor—Duties.

RCW 35.18.200
Mayor—Duties.
The mayor shall preside at meetings of the council, and be recognized as the head of the city or town for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of military law.
He or she shall have no regular administrative duties, but in time of public danger or emergency, if so authorized by the council, shall take command of the police, maintain law, and enforce order.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2032; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.200. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 10; prior: 1943 c 271 § 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-17, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.210 - Mayor pro tempore.

RCW 35.18.210
Mayor pro tempore.
In case of the mayor's absence, a mayor pro tempore selected by the members of the council from among their number shall act as mayor during the continuance of the absence.
[ 1969 c 101 § 2; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.210. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 11; prior: 1943 c 271 § 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-17, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.220 - Salaries.

RCW 35.18.220
Salaries.
Each member of the council shall receive such compensation as may be provided by law to cities of the class to which it belongs. The city manager and other officers or assistants shall receive such salary or compensation as the council shall fix by ordinance and shall be payable at such times as the council may determine.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.220. Prior: (i) 1943 c 271 § 9, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-18, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 20; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-29.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.230 - Organization on council-manager plan—Eligibility.

RCW 35.18.230
Organization on council-manager plan—Eligibility.
Any city or town having a population of less than thirty thousand may be organized as a council-manager city or town under this chapter.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.230. Prior: 1959 c 76 § 2; 1943 c 271 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.240 - Organization—Petition.

RCW 35.18.240
Organization—Petition.
Petitions to reorganize a city or town on the council-manager plan must be signed by registered voters resident therein equal in number to at least twenty percent of the votes cast for all candidates for mayor at the last preceding municipal election. In addition to the signature and residence addresses of the petitioners thereon, a petition must contain an affidavit stating the number of signers thereon at the time the affidavit is made.
Petitions containing the required number of signatures shall be accepted by the city or town clerk as prima facie valid until their invalidity has been proved.
A variation on such petitions between the signatures on the petition and that on the voter's permanent registration caused by the substitution of initials instead of the first or middle names or both shall not invalidate the signature on the petition if the surname and handwriting are the same. Signatures, including the original, of any voter who has signed such petitions two or more times shall be stricken.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.240. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 22; prior: (i) 1943 c 271 § 2, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-11, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 5; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-14.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.250 - Organization—Election procedure.

RCW 35.18.250
Organization—Election procedure.
Upon the filing of a petition for the adoption of the council-manager plan of government, or upon resolution of the council to that effect, the mayor, only after the petition has been found to be valid, by proclamation issued within ten days after the filing of the petition or the resolution with the clerk, shall cause the question to be submitted at a special election to be held at a time specified in the proclamation, which shall be as soon as possible after the sufficiency of the petition has been determined or after the said resolution of the council has been enacted, but in no event shall said special election be held during the ninety day period immediately preceding any regular municipal election therein. All acts necessary to hold this election, including legal notice, jurisdiction and canvassing of returns, shall be conducted in accordance with existing law.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.250. Prior: 1959 c 76 § 4; 1955 c 337 § 23; prior: 1943 c 271 § 2, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-11, part.]
NOTES:
Canvassing returns, generally: Chapter 29A.60 RCW.
Conduct of elections—Canvass: RCW 29A.60.010.
Times for holding elections: RCW 29A.04.311 through 29A.04.330.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.260 - Organization—Ballots.

RCW 35.18.260
Organization—Ballots.
At the election for organization on the council-manager plan, the proposition on the ballots shall be: "Shall the city (or town) of . . . . . . adopt the council-manager plan of municipal government?" followed by the words:
"For organization as a council-manager city or town . . . ."
"Against organization as a council-manager city or town . . . ."
The election shall be conducted, the vote canvassed and the results declared in the same manner as provided by law in respect to other municipal elections.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.260. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 3; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.270 - Organization—Election of council, procedure.

RCW 35.18.270
Organization—Election of council, procedure.
If the majority of the votes cast at a special election for organization on the council-manager plan favor the plan, the city or town shall elect the council required under the council-manager plan in number according to its population at the next municipal general election. However, special elections shall be held to nominate and elect the new city councilmembers at the next primary and general election held in an even-numbered year if the next municipal general election is more than one year after the date of the election at which the voters approved the council-manager plan. The staggering of terms of office shall occur at the election when the new councilmembers are elected, where the simple majority of the persons elected as councilmembers receiving the greatest numbers of votes shall be elected to four-year terms of office if the election is held in an odd-numbered year, or three-year terms of office if the election is held in an even-numbered year, and the remainder of the persons elected as councilmembers shall be elected to two-year terms of office if the election is held in an odd-numbered year, or one-year terms of office if the election is held in an even-numbered year. The initial councilmembers shall take office immediately when they are elected and qualified, but the lengths of their terms of office shall be calculated from the first day in January in the year following the election.
[ 1994 c 223 § 13; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 20; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.270. Prior: 1959 c 76 § 5; 1955 c 337 § 12; prior: (i) 1943 c 271 § 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-17, part. (ii) 1943 c 271 § 4, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-13, part.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.60.280(1).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.280 - Organization—Holding over by incumbent officials and employees.

RCW 35.18.280
Organization—Holding over by incumbent officials and employees.
Councilmembers shall take office at the times provided by RCW 35.18.270 as now or hereafter amended. The other city officials and employees who are incumbent at the time the council-manager plan takes effect shall hold office until their successors have been selected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2009 c 549 § 2033; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.280. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-17, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.285 - Organization—First council may revise budget.

RCW 35.18.285
Organization—First council may revise budget.
If, at the beginning of the term of office of the first council elected in a city organized under the council-manager plan, the appropriations for the expenditures of the city for the current fiscal year have been made, the council, by ordinance, may revise them but may not exceed the total appropriations for expenditures already specified in the budget for the year.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.285. Prior: 1955 c 337 § 24.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.290 - Abandonment of council-manager plan.

RCW 35.18.290
Abandonment of council-manager plan.
Any city or town which has operated under the council-manager plan for more than six years may abandon such organization and accept the provisions of the general laws then applicable to municipalities upon the petition of not less than twenty percent of the registered voters therein, without changing its classification unless it desires to do so.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 47 § 4; 1965 c 7 § 35.18.290. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-31, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.300 - Abandonment—Method.

RCW 35.18.300
Abandonment—Method.
The sufficiency of the petition for abandonment of the council-manager form of government shall be determined, the election ordered and conducted, and the results declared generally as provided for the procedure for reorganizing under the council-manager plan so far as those provisions are applicable.
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.300. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 23, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-32, part.]
NOTES:
Organization on council-manager plan: RCW 35.18.240 through 35.18.285.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 35 - Cities and Towns › Chapter 35.18 - Council-Manager Plan. › 35.18.310 - Abandonment—Special election necessary.

RCW 35.18.310
Abandonment—Special election necessary.
The proposition to abandon the council-manager plan must be voted on at a special election called for that purpose at which the only proposition to be voted on shall be: "Shall the city (or town) of . . . . . . abandon its organization under the council-manager plan and become a city (or town) under the general law governing cities (or towns) of . . . . . . class?"
[ 1965 c 7 § 35.18.310. Prior: 1943 c 271 § 22 part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 9198-31, part.]