Government
Voters approved a home rule charter in 1955 establishing a Council/Manager form of government. The Council/Manager form of government is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council, with the managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. A representative system of government is established where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to
oversee the delivery of public services.
Elections
Members of the City Council are elected for two-year terms on a nonpartisan basis. The Council is made up of seven members:one resident from each of the City’s four quadrants and three others at large. All seven members are elected by the entire city. Once elected, council members choose the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem from among the elected members.
Responsibilities
Council members are responsible for hiring the City Manager, appointing the City Attorney, City Secretary, Municipal Court Judges, City Health Officer and citizens to the City’s boards and commissions. The Council is also responsible for passing City ordinances, planning for capital improvements, issuing and selling municipal bonds, purchasing and selling property, establishing City departments, determining City services, approving the annual budget, and setting the City’s tax rate. The City Manager is responsible for the City’s daily operations, hiring department heads, supervising the City personnel, directing and coordinating all municipal programs, enforcing all municipal laws and ordinances, and recommending an annual budget.
Meetings
The City Council holds business meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Work sessions are held every Monday at 6:00 p.m. Citizens are welcome to attend Council meetings and may speak during the visitor’s section. Citizens also may attend work sessions and speak to the Council during the visitor's section (promptly at 6 p.m.) on weeks when there is not a business meeting at 7:30 p.m.
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