RCW 35.27.140: Vacancies.

(1) The council of a town may declare a council position vacant if that councilmember is absent from the town for three consecutive council meetings without the permission of the council. (2) A vacancy in an elective office shall occur and shall be filled as provided in chapter 42.12 RCW. An incumbent councilmember is eligible to be appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of mayor. (3) A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by appointment by the mayor.