- The office of city manager is established as the administrative head of the city government. The city manager is responsible to the mayor and council for proper administration of all city business. The city manager will assist the mayor and council in the development of city policies, and carry out policies established by ordinances and resolutions,
- A majority of the council must appoint and may remove the manager. The appointment must be made without regard to political considerations and solely on the basis of skill, education and experience in competencies and practices of local government management.
- Although the manager will be encouraged to live inside the city limits, the manager need not reside in the city.
- The manager may be appointed for a definite or an indefinite term and may be removed at any time by a majority of the council. The council must fill the office by appointment as soon as practicable after a vacancy occurs.
The manager must:
- Attend all council meetings unless excused by the mayor or council;
- Make reports and recommendations to the mayor and council about the needs of the city;
- Administer and enforce all city ordinances, resolutions, orders, franchises, leases, contracts, permits, and other city decisions;
- Appoint, supervise and remove city employees;
- Organize city departments and administrative structure;
- Prepare and administer the annual city budget;
- Manage city utilities and property;
- Encourage and support regional and intergovernmental cooperation;
- Promote cooperation among the council, staff and citizens in developing city policies and building a sense of community;
- Perform other duties as directed by the council;
- Delegate duties, but remain responsible for acts of all subordinates.
- The manager has no authority over the council or over the judicial functions of the municipal judge.
- The manager and other employees or consultants designated by the council may sit at council meetings but have no vote. The manager may take part in all council discussions.
- When the manager is temporarily disabled from acting as manager or when the office of manager becomes vacant, the council must appoint a manager pro-tem. The manager pro-tem has the authority and duties of the manager, except that a manager pro tem may appoint or remove employees only with council approval.
- No council member may directly or indirectly attempt to coerce the manager or candidate for the office of manager in the appointment or removal of any city employee, or in the administration of city property, contracts, or other matters within the authority of the manager’s office. Violation of this prohibition is grounds for removal from office by a majority of the council after a public hearing. In council meetings, councilors may discuss or suggest anything with the manager relating to city business.
- Neither the manager’s spouse/partner nor any person related to the manager or their spouse/partner may hold any employment with the city.