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1. What are the characteristics of Council-Manager form of government?

The Council-Manager form of government is a system of local government that combines the advantages of strong political leadership provided by the Mayor and Council with the stong managerial experience and skills through an appointed City Manager. All power is concentrated in the elected City Council who hire a professionally trained City Manager to oversee daily operations.

2. Is the Council-Manager form of government responsive to the needs of citizens?

In a Council-Manager form of government, the Mayor and Council members are the recognized community leaders and policy makers. They are elected to represent all segments of the community and address their needs and concerns. The City Manager is appointed to assure fair, equitable and efficient services are delivered in a responsive manner. If the Manager fails to be responsive to the wishes of the Council and community, the Council has the authority to remove the Manager at any time.

3. What is the Manager's function?

The City Manager is employed by the Council to bring his training and experience in managing local governments to the community. The Manager prepares a budget for the Council's consideration; recruits, hires and supervises the city's staff. He also serves as the Council's chief advisor and carries out Council policy.

The Manager is expected to provide clear, impartial information that allows the Council to fully assess all policy implications.

4. What is the Mayor's function?

The Mayor serves as the chief policy and political leader in city government. In council-manager governments, the Mayor presides at council meetings, serves and chief policy spokesperson for the city, facilitates committees and XXXXX between elected and appointed officials. The Mayor can also assist the Council on setting goals and advocating policy decisions.

5. What is the Council's function?

The Council functions as the legislative body for the City. The members are elected community leaders. Power in local government is concentrated in the elected Council. The Council approves ordinances and laws of the City, establishes the tax rate, adopts the City's annual budget, approves capital improvement strategies and establishes a vision and direction for the city.