Citing numerous alleged infractions, the McCleary City Council unanimously passed a resolution expressing a vote of no confidence in Mayor Chris Miller.

The resolution specifically mentions issues regarding the Fraternal Order of Police contract, the Open Public Meetings Act, the wasting of public funds, IT equipment purchases, safety on city property, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers employee layoffs, conduct toward city staff, and the mayor’s lack of attendance at city council meetings (although attendance is not required).

The resolution states: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the McCleary City Council recognizes City Council meeting attendance is not required by Mayor Miller, however, Mayor Miller has failed to perform his most basic obligation by attending City Council meetings and keeping his council informed of business operations. Mayor Miller has continuously failed to be transparent in his actions or intentions;

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the McCleary City Council deems Mayor Miller unfit for office due to lack of confidence in making informed decisions that serve the best interest of the city of McCleary and our residents.”

Miller fired back in an open letter to the residents and businesses of the city of McCleary.

“I am deeply concerned that the city council continues to divide the city. I am calling out the city council and the continued hostile work environment they have created that only further divides us and does nothing to bring us together. This has been an ongoing personal quest of theirs my entire term in office, and enough is enough,” Miller wrote. “I’ve been pushing hard for solid changes needed in our public works. You, the ratepayers and taxpayers, deserve far more than what has been provided for you for the last decade. My administration has worked tirelessly to apply for grants and other funding necessary to make improvements in our city. “

The letter was part of a 30-page packet in which Miller detailed numerous issues and differences between him and the City Council, issues that have dogged the Mayor and the Council during his entire term. Miller also posted the letter to his official Facebook page.

The resolution and the letter can be found here: https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/mcclearywa-pubu/MEET-Packet-5230056973f14a449f13f1fae9bdb2b2.pdf

Miller, who became the mayor of McCleary by handily defeating incumbent Brenda Orffer in the 2021 general election, is serving a four-year term.