The governmental structure of West Richland is a "Council-Mayor" form organized pursuant to Chapter 35A.12 of the Revised Code of Washington. The Mayor is elected to a four year term of office.
The Mayor is the chief executive and administrative officer of the City in charge of all departments and employees. The Mayor is responsible for seeing that all laws are enforced and order is maintained in the City, and with the assistance of the City Administrator, to whom the Mayor has delegated substantial authority for general supervision of the administration of City government and all City interests. The Mayor presides over all meetings of the City Council, and when present at those meetings, has a vote only in the case of a tie in the votes of the Council members. He reports to the Council concerning the affairs of the City and its financial and other needs, and makes recommendations to the Council to consider on the passage of laws, resolutions and other action.
The Mayor prepares and submits to the Council a proposed annual City budget, as required by State law. The Mayor is the official and ceremonial head of the City and serves as the City's representative in interactions with other local and state governments, as well as federal and foreign governments. He is the City's official spokesperson and represents the City on ceremonial occasions such as dedications, ground breakings, and similar formal functions. He also represents the City's as a member of the Board of Directors of Ben-Franklin Transit District, the Benton County Mosquito Control District, Benton County Office of Emergency Services, and the Tri-Cities Development Council. He is also an ad hoc member of all City Council Committees.
Mayor Jackson is a strong advocate of citizen participation in City government. The Mayor is responsible for appointing citizens to the Planning Commission, Park Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Board, Civil Service Commission, Real Property Management Board, Urban Forestry Advisory Board, and other ad hoc committees as needed.
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