Serving on City Council

Form of Government

Port Angeles was incorporated as a City on June 10, 1890, and became a non-charter code City on November 24, 1971. Port Angeles operates under a City Manager/Council form of government with the City Manager being appointed by the City Council.

There are seven members serving on the Council. Each is elected for a four-year term. Members do not represent any particular district or area of the City. In the general election, voters cast their vote for all Council positions on the ballot. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by the Council members every two years at the first meeting in January.

The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City and is responsible to the City Council for proper administration of all affairs of the City. He attends all meetings of the City Council and recommends for adoption by the City Council such measures as he may deem necessary or expedient. He sees that all laws, ordinances and policies of the City Council are faithfully executed. He keeps the public and Council informed on City operations.

City Council Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure govern the procedures followed by the City Council of Port Angeles, Washington, for the conduct of Council meetings and the maintenance of order, pursuant to RCW 35A.13.170.

Rules of Procedure

Council Legislative Responsibilities

The City Council acts as the legislative and policy-making body of the City of Port Angeles, adopting all ordinances and resolutions, and approving contracts required by the City. The Council reviews and directs action on proposals to meet community needs for public services and programs, and determines the ability of the City to provide financing for City operations. The Council also reviews, modifies, and approves the annual municipal budget prepared by the City Manager. In addition, the City Council performs miscellaneous duties, including making appointments to various boards and commissions, and acting as liaison with other governmental bodies.

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. On the Friday preceding the Council meeting, a Council packet containing the agenda for the upcoming meeting, staff reports and other general information is prepared for the Council members. During the year, extra meetings or work sessions may be called in order to review the budget, matters of urgent concern, or other issues.

In addition, Council members represent the City on approximately twenty-five other local boards and commissions. Each Council member is expected to participate in serving on these boards and commissions, so as not to unduly burden any Councilmember. Other duties include traveling locally, regionally, and/or within the State of Washington. Council members may also, at their discretion, travel and attend training, education sessions, and are reimbursed in accordance with City policy applicable to all employees and City officials, subject to budgetary limit set by the Council as a whole. Duties may also include out-of-town meetings, speaking engagements, conversing with citizens, and ceremonial events. Council members can expect to spend at least 30-40 hours per month on Council related work. The duties of a City Council member will likely involve an average minimum commitment of 18-20 hours per month for preparation, participation, and attendance at various meetings and community activities.

Public Disclosure Requirements

Pursuant to Washington State law, candidates for public office and incumbent elected officials are required to file public disclosure records of their personal financial status. Within two weeks of becoming a candidate, a personal Financial Affairs Statement must be filed with the Public Disclosure Commission, listing all your income, compensation, real estate, other assets, financial holdings, and creditors. These reports are required to be filed annually by elected officials, and with the City according to PAMC 2.78.050I.

Conflicts of Interest

Members of the City Council are required by law to comply with certain standards of conduct involving potential conflicts of interest and the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine. Some examples of these standards are that a Councilmember may not vote on any matter where he or she would be personally benefitted; City officials may not have any personal financial interest in City employment or other City contracts; and public officials may not, directly or indirectly, give or receive any compensation, gift, or gratuity from a non-City source for any matter connected with or related to City business.

Qualifications

An elective officer of the City of Port Angeles must be a registered voter of the City and must have been a resident of the City for at least one (1) year. In addition, the following qualifications are necessary:

Ability to understand and analyze complex data and information;
Communicate effectively within a group to represent broad citizen interests;
Learn and maintain a knowledge of laws and other legal procedures;
Represent the City always, and demonstrate adherence to high ethical standards;
Commit to the betterment of the City of Port Angeles.

Salary and Fringe Benefits

The salary for Councilmembers is established by ordinance adopted by the Council. No Councilmember may vote himself/herself an increase in salary for the term being served. Therefore, increases for Councilmembers are effective only after a Councilmember has been re-elected for another term of office. The current salaries are as follows:

Mayor: $650 per month
Deputy Mayor: $600 per month
City Councilmember: $550 per month

Fringe Benefits include:

Reimbursement of certain expenditures generally associated with travel and conference expenses when applicable, as approved by the City Council.
Worker's Compensation Insurance coverage in the event of injury on the job.
Professional liability indemnification covering Councilmembers in their official capacity (WCIA).
Payment by the City of its portion of Social Security payroll tax.

Other Resources

Association of Washington Cities website – “So You Want to Be an Elected Official”

How to File for a City Council Position

Official Candidate Filing Week: Updates coming. Interested candidates will need to file with the Auditor’s office, located on the main floor of the County building. The Auditor’s office now has online filing available.

For online filing: https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/162/Elections-Voter-Registration

Filing Week is May 15-19, 2023. The Primary will be on August 1, 2023 and the General will be on November 7, 2023.

All matters related to filing for office should be directed to the Clallam County Auditor’s office.