Mabton City Council, Mayor clash over new city attorney amid budget uncertainty

MABTON, Wash. — The City of Mabton continues to grapple with a budgetary crisis, operating without an official budget for all of 2024.

During a contentious city council meeting Tuesday night, tensions flared as council members voted to hire a new city attorney, only for Mayor Rachel Ruelas to refuse to sign the contract.

The meeting, marked by heated exchanges between the mayor, council members and residents, highlighted ongoing concerns over the lack of financial oversight and accountability in the city.

Mabton has been without a budget for 2024 and council members said there's no budget filed for 2023 either.

At the meeting, Ruelas provided an update on the process, saying they're working to hire an outside contractor to help with the 2023 budget.

"She’s walking us through the process, but she needs to be here hands-on a little bit more so we can get a feel of things,” Ruelas said.

Adding to the financial turmoil, the city is also dealing with the loss of $22,000, allegedly stolen in a fake robbery scheme involving a city employee.

Residents, like Ruben Olivarez, expressed concerns about the investigation and lack of transparency from the city.

"What’s going on with the investigation? Because nobody knows anything," Olivarez said. "Right now you’re paying somebody sitting at home on administrative leave."

The council’s decision to seek new legal representation stemmed from frustrations over the city attorney's refusal to communicate directly with them without the mayor's involvement.

Despite the council’s request, Mayor Ruelas resisted the change, warning the council that it could lead to further complications.

"I just want you guys to know that things are going to go south; not for me, but the council, so you guys better think about it," Ruelas said.

The comment drew accusations from Olivarez, who said during public comment he took the statement to be a threat against the council members.

Despite the mayor's objections, the council approved the contract with the new attorney. When asked to sign the contract, Ruelas refused.

"Well, I am not gonna sign the contract. Sorry," she stated, prompting Council Member Sophia Sotelo to accuse the mayor of neglecting her duties.

"If we’re requiring you to sign a new contract and you’re refusing to, you’re refusing to do your job," Sotelo said.

As tensions mounted, Ruelas attempted twice to end the meeting early, but council members insisted on continuing. Ultimately, the new attorney signed the contract, despite the mayor's refusal.

Council members said Ruelas has several days to sign the contract before further action will be needed.

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