Heater recalled as Kamiah mayor

Kamiah Mayor Betty Heater lost a resounding recall effort in Tuesday’s primary election by 240 votes in favor of removing her from office, or 80.5%, to 58 against, or 19.4%.

Heater could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

According to the recall petition, Heater, who was sworn in as mayor on Jan. 10, 2018, “has shown a lack of administrative control over the city council and a lack of fiscal management by spending more than what the city brings in.”

These violations, the petition says, have put the city at risk of bankruptcy and could lead to a loan denial by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Bryan Drive booster station because the city has failed to meet the requirements of a $1.8 million loan.

Among other charges, the petition claims that on Jan. 1, 2020, the local government investment pool had a balance of $1.6 million. On Jan. 30, 2024, the pool had a balance of $317,034.

“In four years,” the petition reads, “the (investment pool) has been drained of $1.3 million. Booster station funds of $335,900 to cover bids over the loan amount are gone.”

No explanation is given for the alleged discrepancies.

In response to the petition, Heater wrote a letter saying that she has performed her duties as mayor and “I can recommend my opinions to the council, however, that does not mean that they will vote in the directions that I have recommended.”

Heater said the city hired a clerk/treasurer “that transferred funds from (the investment pool) to the general funds … without (communicating) the fund transfers to myself or the council members.

“The staff deficiencies were discussed with council members, in which there was no disciplinary action taken,” Heater said.

“I was officially notified of the amount of funds that had been spent in Sept. 2023. I have acted within city hall and will work with the council to ensure that all reports are provided to them prior to spending and will see us through these hard times.”

Karen Long, elections director for Lewis County, said the primary votes will be canvassed Tuesday when the county commissioners next meet. Once the board certifies the election, the results will be official and Heater’s term will be immediately suspended.

The Kamiah City Council will then convene to choose a replacement for Heater, either within the current council or from the outside, Long said. That person will assume the position of mayor until the next available city election, which will be in November 2025.

Hedberg may be contacted at khedberg@lmtribune.com.