(1) The mayor shall have authority with respect to the hiring or termination of all employees. All employees serve at the pleasure of the mayor and shall not be subject to the approval of the town council; as provided by provisions of RCW 35.27.070, as amended.

(2) When a position becomes vacant the supervisor shall review the position, its job description and the need for such a position. The mayor must approve the position before it can be filled.

(3) Residency within the town shall not be a condition of initial appointment or continued employment; provided, however, that an employee’s selection of residence shall not interfere with the daily performance of his/her duties and responsibilities.

(4) Applicants for positions in which the applicant is expected to operate a motor vehicle must be at least 18 years old and will be required to present a valid Washington State driver’s license with any necessary endorsements. Driving records of applicants may be checked. Applicants with poor driving records, as determined by the town, may be disqualified for employment with the town in positions requiring driving.

(5) The town will require a background check before an offer of employment is made. The mayor may authorize the applicant to begin work if a determination is made that urgent necessity so requires. In such case, continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from the background check.

(6) The town may administer pre-employment examinations to test the qualifications and ability of applicants, as determined necessary by the town. The town may contract with any competent agency or individual to prepare and/or administer examinations.

(7) After an offer of employment has been made and prior to commencement of employment, the town may require persons selected for employment to successfully pass a medical examination, which may include testing for alcohol and controlled substances. The purpose of the examination is to determine if the individual is physically able to perform the job and to ensure his/her physical condition will not endanger the health, safety or well-being of the applicant, if employed, other employees or the public. The offer of employment may be conditioned on the results of the examination.

(8) A candidate may be disqualified from consideration if: