Mayor & Town Commissioners
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 or other governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The form establishes a representative system 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.
Based on Separation of Functions:
- Governing Board is Legislative and Policy Oriented.
- Administration is responsibility of professional manager.
Characteristics:
- More Businesslike Form of Government
- Pinpoints Authority and Responsibility
Mayor’s Role (N.C. General Statute 160A-151)
- Very Few Formal Powers.
- Preside at governing board meetings.
- Voting to break a tie.
- Sign documents on behalf of the city.
- Can call special meetings of council.
- Mayor and all council members are ineligible to serve as manager, interim manager, or acting manager.
Town Manager’s Role (N.C. General Statute 160A – 148)
- Appoint, suspend, remove all employees not elected or appointed by council.
- Direct and supervise the administration of all departments.
- Attend all council meetings and make recommendations to council.
- See that all state and city laws and council directions are carried out within the city.
- Prepare and submit annual recommended budget and CIP to council.
- Submit annual report on city finances and activities to council.
- Make any other reports that council requires on activities under manager’s control.
- Perform any other duties that council requires or authorizes.
- The manager must also follow the ICMA (International City Managers Association) Code of Ethics.