WHO’S  ACCOUNTABLE ?  

PART 3

As promised, the continuation of a series of articles identifying by city ordinance, Who Is Accountable?  In the Realm of City Government many have come to believe without question that the most powerful man in the city and for that matter the county….. Is none other than the City Manager of the City of St. George. If this be the case it becomes increasingly important for the public be to be able to trace by statute where such power and authority emulates. NOW approaching 4 decades, the current City Manager has held the reins of power.  Please follow me as I attempt to provide a word picture of this very important position.

CITY MANAGER…..Powers and Duties.

1-7A-1: OFFICE CREATED: The office of city manager is hereby created and established. (Ord. 1978-24, 6-15-1978, eff. 9-1-1978)

1-7A-2: Appointment: The city manager shall be appointed by the governing body. The city manager’s term of office shall be for an indefinite period. (Ord. 1978-24, 6-15-1978, eff. 9-1-1978; amd. 2003 Code)

1-7A-5: Compensation: The city manager shall receive such compensation as the City Council SHALL, from time to time, determine. In addition, the City Manager SHALL be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred by him in the performance of his official duties. (Ord. 1978-24, 6-15-1978, eff. 9-1-1978)

Folks, please note as I reference the Duties and Powers of The City Manager the inclusion of wording that includes the duties and responsibilities assigned directly to the City Council and Mayor.  The very important word, Shall, should be given special consideration. Thank you.

1-7A-6: POWERS AND DUTIES: The city manager shall be the administrative head of the government of the city under the direction and control of the mayor and city council, except as otherwise provided in this article. Folks, I take this to mean that it is incumbent  upon the Mayor and City Council to at all times be attentive as to how the City Manager is performing and permitting city government to be conducted. Knowing, what is taking place within City Government is part of the job description of the Mayor and City Council and in this way all are answerable to the public.

1. Law Enforcement: It shall be the duty of the city manager to enforce all laws and ordinances of the city.
2. Authority Over Employees: It shall be the duty of the city manager, and he shall have the authority, to control, order and give directions to all heads of departments and to subordinate officers and employees of the city under his jurisdiction through their department heads. (Ord. 1978-24, 6-15-1978, eff. 9-1-1978)
3. Power Of Appointment And Removal: It shall be the duty of the city manager to appoint, remove, promote and demote any and all officers and employees of the city, subject to all applicable personnel ordinances, rules and regulations, except the city recorder, city treasurer, city attorney, police chief, fire chief, director of finance, director of public works, director of leisure services, director of water services, director of energy services, and director of administrative services. The city manager’s recommendations on the appointment or removal of said department heads will be considered on the basis of merit by (Mayor and City Council) the governing body. (Ord. 1978-24, 6-15-1978, eff. 9-1-1978; amd. 2003 Code)
4. Administrative Reorganization Of Offices: It shall be the duty and responsibility of the city manager to conduct studies and effect such administrative reorganization of offices, positions or units under his direction as may be indicated in the interest of efficient, effective and economical conduct of the city’s business.
5. Ordinances: The city manager shall recommend to the mayor and city council for adoption such measures and ordinances as he deems necessary.

My friends, as you can see. Checks and balances are clearly in place and subject to public scrutiny. This of course requires the Council and Mayor to be present and actively involved as issues are brought to light.

REVIEW:  The City Manager shall supervise ALL department heads. They in turn are responsible for supervision of all subordinates assigned to their respective departments. The city manager has authority to hire and fire city employees with the exception of department heads listed above. Compliance with city ordinance regulating such matters, are to be complied with. The mayor and city council are responsible for oversight and supervision of the City Manager. By extension the Public/Voters, are responsible for oversight and supervision of the Mayor and City Council. The need for transparency becomes evident to all.

Senior Sampler Readers, due to the length of this article it will be necessary to conclude the description of Powers and Authority of the city manager in next week’s issue. Part 4 to follow.                  Thank You.   ED BACA