City Council

Government

The City Council is the elected legislative body of the City. Its members make decisions for the community through its authorized power as the official governing body. Voters approved a home rule charter in 2008 establishing a Council/Manager form of government.

The Council/Manager form of government 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 three-year terms on a nonpartisan basis. The Council is made up of seven members: a Mayor and six Council members. The Mayor is elected by the entire city. All six Councilmembers are also elected by the entire city. Once elected, Council members choose the Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem from among the elected members.

Responsibilities

Council members are responsible for hiring the City Manager, appointing the City Secretary, Municipal Court Judges, 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.