Camas to explore change in form of government

Camas Mayor Steve Hogan announced last week the creation of an advisory group to explore a possible change to the city’s form of government. The proposed committee members include former Camas mayor Nan Henriksen, former Camas city councilors Greg Anderson, Ellen Burton and Don Chaney, and Dan Duringer.

The city is considering changing to a council-city manager form of government, in which the mayor serves in a more ceremonial role while the city’s day-to-day operations are handled by a city manager appointed by council members elected by city residents. The city currently operates under a hybrid form of government as a mayor-council system, with the professional assistance of a city administrator appointed by the mayor with the consent of the council.

The city examined this issue twice before, in 2002 and again in 2018. In 2018, the council appointed a committee of interested citizens to explore the pros and cons of the different forms, but ultimately did not proceed to adopt a resolution. “Serving as mayor is a big job — a really big job,” Burton said during the council’s Jan. 20 workshop session. “It is a full-time job as a CEO of a complex organization stretching from in-the-ground infrastructure to on-the-streets public safety to preserving our natural areas and the living room of the city of Camas. The skill set, the aptitudes and the experiences required to successfully perform this role (are critical), and the right person is required.”

Currently, 147 code cities in Washington operate under a mayor-council form of government, while 50 operate under a council-city manager system. Camas’ neighbors in Vancouver and Washougal use the latter form.

“It’s one of the most important things that we’re going to decide on as a city,” said Camas City Councilor Tim Hein.

The committee would report its findings and a recommendation at a May 4 council meeting.

Following a subsequent public hearing, the council would then deliberate and potentially vote to determine next steps, which could include a resolution to place the issue on a future election ballot.