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Attorney urges disclosure, not automatic recusal, when councilors belong to Greater Mabton Association
Summary
City legal counsel warned council members who are volunteers or members of the Greater Mabton Association (GMA) to disclose affiliations and any financial interest; counsel said recusal is required only when a financial interest exists under RCW 42.23, though some cities adopt broader ethics codes.
During discussion about the use and rental of city property, staff noted council members' membership in the Greater Mabton Association and asked whether that raised a conflict. Legal counsel advised disclosure as best practice and recusal only where a financial interest exists under state law: "I point that out in part because it's always good to remind ourselves to be mindful of these rules... If you are a volunteer with an organization... your dollar is not going into your pocket from the decision, you don't have to recuse yourself. It is good practice and good governance to disclose."
Counsel noted that RCW 42.23 addresses prohibited acts by council members with a financial interest and that some cities adopt broader local codes of ethics that require recusal even absent a financial stake. The council did not take formal action but was asked to disclose affiliations and consider recusal if any financial interest exists.
