HomeMy WebLinkAboutLocal Government Review ReportLAUREL LOCAL GOVERNM]PNT,STUDY COMMISSION
CITY OF LAUREL, YELLOWSTONE COUNTY, MONTANA
FI , PORE'
ADOPTED-AUGUST '19, 1996
TO Bt .'SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY'OF -LAUREL
AT THE GENERAL ELECTION'ON NOVEMBER 5, 1996,
Comm4sa;on Mgm.hers
Steven K. Cosner, Chairman
Joseph M. Bradley.
Ken. E. Olson
..Ron Marshall, ex-officio member
TABLE OF-CONTENTS
I. Letter to Citizens of'Laurel, Montana
II. Certificate of plan of existing form of government
TIT. Certificate of proposed self-government Charter
IV. Certificate establishing Apportionment Plan
V- Certificate establishing election date
vi. Certificate establishing form of ballot
VIII Table.of comparison between existing form of `government
and proposed self-government.,Charter
LAUREL LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMISSION
Steven K. Cosner, Chairman
Joseph M. Bradley
Ken E. Olson
Ron Marshall, ex--officio member
August 19, 1996
TO THE CITIZENS OF LAUREL:
We, the members of the Laurel, Local Government Study
Commission, elected by the voters of our City on November 8, 1994
or thereafter appointed to fill a vacancy on the commission,
present this final report to you, the citizens of Laurel_
The purpose of the study commission, as defined by state
law, was to study the existing form and powers of the City of
Laurel 'and the procedures for delivery of City services, and to
compare them with other forms of government available under the
laws of Montana. With our having completed these two phases of our
study, it is our responsibility to submit a final report on our
deliberations, containing our recommendations and proposals for
changing Laurel's existing form of government.
We sought advice and information from as many people as
possible in. every phase of our study. We solicited opinions and
recommendations from our current City officials, from community
organizations, and from our citizens at large. All of our meetings
were open to the public. We appeared before community
organizations to explain the work of the commission and also to
hear viewpoints, ideas and concerns of those present. We held
public hearings and conducted a survey of citizen attitudes.
Our recommendations reflect the thoughts and opinions of
those who attended our regular meetings, those who responded to our
survey, and those who appeared before us for interviews, in
addition to our independent efforts.
In this final report we present our recommendations for.
an alternative form of city government which we feel will be better
able to provide the services expected by our citizens, both today
and in. the future. Our concern has been to provide a form of
government for the City of Laurel which will be responsible to our,
citizens and provide the best opportunity for devising local
solutions to local problems. We believe the citizens of the City
of Laurel can achieve these goals by adopting a self-government
PAGE I OF TWO
charter which, preserves our current mayor - council structure. The
proposed charter does not make any significant changes in the day-
to-day operation and structure of City government. The proposed
charter retains all current restrictions on the City's taxing
authority-
The question of adopting the proposed charter will be
placed on the ballot on November S, 1996. We solicit your support
for the adoption of the charter.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurel Local Government Study Commissioners
PAGE 2 OF TWO
CERTIFICATE
ESTABLISHING THE EXISTING PLAN OF GOVERNMENT
FOR THE
CITY OF LAUREL, MONTANA
If retained by the .voters, the government of Laurel shall remain organized under the following
provisions of 7-3-113, M.C-A. which authorizes the municipal council-mayor form of government.
7-3-113. Statutory basis for municipal council-mayor government.
(1) For the purpose of determining the statutory basis of.existing units of local government, each unit
of local government organized under the general statutes authorizing the municipal council-mayor
form of government, which does not adopt a new.form, shall be governed after May 2, 1977 by the
following sections::..:
(a),7-3 -201;
(b) 7-3-202(1);
(c) 7-3-203;
(d) 7-3-212(2);
.(e) 7-3-213(3);
(f) 7-3-2,14(2);
(g) 7-3-2.15(2);
(h) 7-3-216(2);
(z) 7-3-217(1);
7-3-218(2))-
(k) 7-3-219(2);
(1) 7-3-220(1);
(m) 7-3-221(3);
(n) 7-3-222(2);
(o). 7-3-223(2).
(2) This form has terms of.4 years for all elected officials. The size of the commission shall be
established by ordinance, but it may not exceed 20 members.
These sections establish the following form of government which shall be called the COMMISSION-
EXECUTIVE FORM.
7-3-201. Commission-executive form. The commission-executive form (which may be
called the council-executive, the council-mayor, or the commission-mayor form) consists of an
elected commission (which may be referred to as the council) and one elected executive (who may
be referred to as the mayor) who is elected at large.
7-3-202 (1). Nature of government. The plan of government submitted to the qualified
electors shall determine the powers of the local government unit by authorizing general government
powers.
7-3-203. Duties of the executive. The executive shall:
(1) enforce laws, ordinances, and resolutions;
(2) perform duties required of him by law, ordinance, or resolution;
(3 )) administer affairs of the local government;
(4) carry out.policies established by the commission;
(5) recommend measures to the commission;
(6) report to the commission on the affairs and financial condition of the local government;
(7) execute bonds; notes, contracts aril written obligations of the:commissior; _siibjbat to the
approval of the commission;
(8) report to the commission as the commission may require,
.(9) attend commission meetings and-may, take part in discussions .
(10) execute the budget adopted by the commission; .
(11) appoint, with the consent of the commission, all members of boards; except the executive,
may appoint,. without the consent of the comnmission temporary advisory committees established by
the executive:
7-3-212 (2). Administrative assistants. The executive may appoint one or more
administrative assistants to assist him in the supervision and operation of the local government, and
such administrative assistants shall be answerable solely to the executive.
7-a-2113 (3). Supervision of personnel:: The executive may appoint, with the consent of a
majority of the commission; all' department heads and remove departments heads and may appoint
and remove all other department employees.
7-3214 (2). Veto power. The executive may veto ordinances and resolutions, subject to
override by a two-thirds vote of the commission.
7-3-215 (2). Preparation of budget. The executive may prepare the budget in consultation
with the commission and department heads.
7-3-216 (2). Administrative supervision and control. The executive may exercise control
and supervision of all departments and boards to the degree authorized by ordinance. of the
comrrussxon. _; .. ,,,...:
7-3417-(1). `Financial officer. A financial officer (who may be called the treasurer) shall
be elected.
7-3-215 (2). selection of commission members. The commission shall be elected by
districts in which-candidates must reside and-which are apportioned by population.
7-3-219 (2). Type of election. Local government elections shall be conducted on a
nonpartisan basis.
7-3-220 (1). Chairman of commission. The commission shall have a chairman who shall
be elected by the members of the commission from their own number for a term established by
ordinance
7-3-221(3). Presiding officer of the commission, The presiding officer of the commission
shall be the executive, who shall decide all tie votes of the commission but shall have no othenvote
(the chairman of the commission shall preside if the executive is 'absent).
.7-3-222 (2)..:, Terms of commission members. -`Commission members shall be elected for
overlapping terms of office.
7-3-223 (2). Size of commission and comm-unity councils. The size of the commission
shall be eight (8); and community council's to advise commissioners may be_ authorized by ordinance.
`,7-1-224.: Terms of elected officials. The term of office of elected officials shall be four (4)
years.
SEAL
We -the Study Commissioners of the City of
Laurel, do hereby certify that this is the
existing Plan of Government as-established by
Section 7-3-113 M.C.A.
Iri testimony whereof, we set our hands.
Done at Laurel; ..Montana this, L day .of-
August, 1996.
Olson /
PREAMBLE
We, the people of the City of Laurel, County of
Yellowstone, State of Montana, in accordance with Article XI,
Section 5.of the Constitution of the State of Montana, do hereby
adopt this Charter.
ARTICLE I
POWERS OF THE CITY
Section 1.01 - Powers of the Cit of L urel
The City of Laurel--shall have all powers:not prohibited
by the Constitution,of the State of Montana, this. Charter,
laws of Montana, including fi.1l]..Powers of self or the
government he
allowed in Article Xl., Section 6 of the
of Montana Cons.t.tution Qf the State
.
Se tion 1_?2 - inter r t i n of Powers
The powers and autho_ri ty of ..the, City of Laurel under this
self-government charter shall be, liberally construed. Every
reasonable doubt as to the existence of..a_parti.cular power or
authority in and of the City. shall be resolved In favor of the
existence of that power or authority in and o: the, City.
Section 1-03 - Limitation on 'l1 Lei
The mill levy of the City of Laurel shall be "liiriited to
that of Montana municipal governments having general government
powers, except with the prior approval of ,a raajori?y_ of t;he
electors of-the City voting on the question, in e.i•ther a general c r
special municipal election.
1
Section a - Char ter S remar_
As provided by Article XI, Section 5 of the Constitution
Of the State of Montana, the provisions of this Charter
establishing executive, legislative, and administrative structure
and organization of the City of Laurel are superior to statutory
provisions.
ARTICLE II
CITY COUNCIL
Se tion 2.01 - City rggncjl
The legislative branch of the City of Laurel shall
consist of the council, which shall be the City's governing body-
ection 2.02 - Composition. Term al.ifications and Election
A. The City of Laurel shall have a council of
eight (8)members elected on a nonpartisan
basis from four (4) districts apportioned by
population. Two (2) council members shall be
elected from each district. One (1) council
member from each district shall be elected
every two (2) years.
B. Each council member shall serve for a term of
four (a) years.
C. No person is eligible for the office of
.council member unless he or she is a qualified
elector of the City of Laurel, and unless he
or she has been a resident for at least 60
days. preceding the election to office of the
district electing him or her or of an area
which has been,annexed by the City and placed
in the district. .
Section 2.03 - A ortionment of Districts
Following each decennial federal census, the council
shall cause the City of Laurel to be 'divided into four (4)
districts, as compact and equal in population as possible.
2
ection 2.04'"--- Vacanc in Office of Council Member
The office of council member shall become vacant as
prescribed by law.
Section 2.05 - Rem val of Council M tuber from Offic
A council member may be removed from office by the recall
of the council member by the electors of the City of Laurel as
prescribed by law, or, after notice to the party, by a finding
adopted by the affirmative vote of six (6) council members that the
office has-become vacant as prescribed by law.
Se ion 2.06 - Fillinc vacancy on Council
When a vacancy occurs in the office of council member,
the position shall be considered open and subject to nomination and
election at the next general municipal election, except the term of.
office shall be limited to the unexpired term of the person who
originally cheated the vacancy. Pending such election and
qualification the council shall, by a majority vote of the
remaining council members, appoint within 30 days of the vacancy a
person possessing the qualifications for office required by this
Charter and law, to hold the office until his or her successor is
elected and qualified.
Section 2,07 - Officers of the Council
A. The council, shall have a president whom the
council members shall elect from among their
own number for a two (2) year term. The
president of the council shall preside when
the mayor is absent and shall vote as other
members of the council.
B. The council shall also have a vice-president
whom the council members shall- elect from
among their own number for a two (2) year
term. The vice-president of the council shall
preside when, the. mayor and president are
absent and shall vote as other members of the
council.
Section 2.08 - A ointe Offices and Departmental r izati?n
The council shall provide for such appointed City
offices, departments, boards, commissions and agencies as are
3
established in this Charter, as are required by law,, or as the
council may establish by ordinance.
Se-ctior
2.09 - Powers and Duties of the Cou cis
The council shall be the legislative body of the City of
Laurel and shall determine City policy. All powers of the City
shall be vested in the council except as otherwise provided by this
Charter, or "law. The council shall provide by ordinance or
resolution, as appropriate, for the exercise of its'powers and for
the performance of all duties and obligations imposed by this
Charter or law. The council may override a veto by the mayor by
the affirmative vote of six (6) council members. The council may
remove any appointed city officer from office., after notice to the
party, by a finding adopted by the affirmative vote of six (6)'
council members that the office has become vacant as prescribed by
law.
ct'on 2`10 - Le is1 Live Action
The affirmative vote of four (4) council members shall be
required for all official actions of the council. A minimum of
five (S) council members must be present at any meeting when
official actions are taken by the council.
Section 2-11 - Council. Procedures
The council shall establish by resolution its rules of
procedure and the time and place of its meetings.
Section 2 .12 - Compensation; of Council M-em-bgrs
The council shall establish by ordinance the compensation
of its members.
ARTICLE III
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sec!.ion 3.01 - nyor
The mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the
City of Laurel.
4
Sec on .02 - Term of Office o Ma r
The mayor shall be elected for a four (4) year term of
office,
Sect
i n 3. 3 - u lifi ation an Election
No person is eligible.for the office of mayor unless he
or she is a qualified elector-of the City of Laurel, and unless he..
or she is 2.1 years of age or older, has been a resident of the
State of Montana for at least three (3) years, and has been ::a
resident for.at least two (2) years preceding his or her election
to office of the City or an area which has been annexed by the
City. The mayor shall be nominated and elected at-large on a
nonpartisan basis.
Sect'on 3. 4 - Vac anc in Off ice of Ma r
law. The.office.of mayor shall become vacant as prescribed. by
.
Section 3.05-- R val of Ma or r m Offi
The mayor may be removed from office by the recall o£ the
mayor by the electors of the City of Laurel as prescribed by law,
or, after notice to' the party, by a finding adopted by the
affirmative vote of six (5) council members thaw the office has
bec=ne vacant as prescribed by law.
Seio3 06 Filling Vacancy in Office of Mayor
when a vacancy occurs in 'the office of mayor, the
position shall. be' considered open and subject to nomination and
election at the next general municipal election, except the term of
office shall be limited. to the unexpired term of the person who
originally created the vacancy. Pending such election and
qualification the council shall, by affirmative vote of five (5)
council members, appoint within 3.0 days of the vacancy a person
possessing the qualifications for office required by this Charter
and law, to hold the office until his ox her successor is elected
and qualified.
Section .07 - Power a d uti o the or
The mayor shall:
5
A. enforce this Charter, all laws, ordinances and
resolutions
$. perform duties required'by this Charter, law,
ordinance or resolution;
C. administer the affairs of the'City of Laurel;
D. carry out policies established by the council;
E. recommend measures to :the.-council;:
F- report to the council on the affairs' and
financial condition- of- the City;
execute bonds, notes, con-tracts, and written
.--obligations of the council, subject `to the'
approval of the council
H":.... report to. the council ;,as the council_ may
require"
S ..: preside.. at council meetings and may. tako "pa.r t
in discussion;
J. execute the budget adopted by the council;
K. appoint all members of boards, commissions and
agencies with the_ consent_.of the codn:cil, a_jd
as allowed by law, except the mayor may
appoint without the:i consent- of the council`
temporary advisory committees established by
the mayor; and,
L. call special meetings of the council.
Sec i n 3:08 -ninistrative Dutie f he Ma .or
A The mayor.. shall:
(1) prepare the budget in.consultation
with the council, city officers and
department.. heads, and shall present
it to the council for adoption;
.. (2) exercise:, control and I! upervisidn `of
all-appointed : city :o-ffices,: , depa-rte
ments, boards, commissions and
.. agencies to, the. degree authori:zsd by ".
ordinance-of--the council or by.!law. :..
S_ . The mayor -may :
(1) appoint one or:> more'_ administrative
assistants to help him or her in the
supervision and operation of the
City of Laurel, and such admini-
strative. aSaistanta' shall.-- -be
answerable solely to the mayor;
(2) appoint, with the consent. of a a
majority of the council, all
appointed city officers;
6
(3) appoint.and remove, with the consent
of a majority of the council, all
department heads, and may appoint
and remove all other department
employees.
Section 3. 9 - Le isiativ Auth rit of the
The mayor shall decide all tie votes of.the.council but.
shall. have no other vote.. The mayor may. veto ordinances and,
resolutions, or objectionable parts of ordinances and-resolutions.-
The mayo-' s veto power must be exercised in. writing at the next
regular meeting of the council following adoption of the ordinance
or resolution. The mayor's veto is subject ;to,.,overrde_by,,the.
affirmative vote of six (6) council members, either. at the same
meeting at which the mayor exercises the veto or.at the next
regular meeting of the council.
Se-ctien 3.10 - Como nsation of he Mayor
The council shall e.s.tablish by ordinance the compensation
of the mayor.
ARTICLE IV
,..FINANCIAL OFFICER
Section 4.01- Ci Treas rer
The treasurer shall- be- the- financial `off icer- of the City
of Laurel.
Section 4.02 - T rm of Offi e of Cit Tr as er
The treasurer shall be elected for a four (4) year.term
of office.
Section 4.03 - ualification and E e ion of Citv Treas
No person is eligible for the office pf treasurer unless
he or she is a qualified elector of the City of Laurel. The
treasurer shall be nominated and elected at large on a non-partisan
basis.
7
Section 4.04 Vacancin Office of City Treasurer
by law. The office of treasurer shall become vacant as prescribed
.
S on 4.05 - Removal Of Ci Tre Sur from Of ce
The treasurer. may be removed from office by the recall of
the treasurer by the electors of the City of Laurel as prescribed
by-law,.or, after. notice to-the party, by a finding adopted by the
affirmative. vote of six (6) council members that the office has
become vacant as prescribed by law.
ct'on 4.06 Fil' in Vacan in Office of City.Treasurer
When ,,a vacancy occurs in the office of treasurer, the
position shall be considered open and subject to nomination and
election at the next general municipal election, except the term of
office shall be limited to the unexpired term of the person who
originally created the vacancy. Pending such election and
qualification the' council shall, by affirmative vote of five (5)
council members, appoint within 30 days of the vacancy a person
possessing the qualifications for office required by this Charter
and law, to hold the office until his or her successor is elected
and qualified.
$e ion 4.01 - Powers and Duties of the City Treasurer
The treasurer shall 'receive, safely keep and disburse
City funds as provided by this Charter, law, or ordinance.
Section. 8 - Com Lion of the -City TreMurer
The council shall establish by ordinance the compensation
of the treasurer.
ARTICLE V
CITY COURT
S-ectrion 5.01 City Court
There shall be a-city court as prescribed by law.
8
ARTICLE VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 6,01- Amendment of Charter
This Charter may be amended only as prescribed by law.
e tion 6.92 Effectiv!? Date
This Charter shall become effective on January.l, 1997.
Section 6.03 - Oath of Office
All elected city officials shall take and subscribe to
the oath of office as prescribed in Article III, Section 3 of the
Constitution of the State of Montana before entering upon the
duties of office.
S ion 6..2-a- - Severabilit
If any provision of this Charter should be held invalid,
the other provisions- of this Charter shall not be affected thereby.
If the application of this Charter or of any of its provisions to
any person or circumstance should be held invalid, the application
of the Charter and of its provisions to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
ARTICLE VII
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Section-7..01 - General Transition
The transition of the form of government of the City of
Laurel to this self-government charter shall be as prescribed by
law. The Laurel Local Government Study Commission shall provide
for such transition with an advisory plan consistent with law. The
City shall not publish the provisions of this transition article as
part of the Charter after January'l, 1998.
9
Section 7.02 - Continiia.tion in.Ofie:
No city employee or elected or appointed official
currently holding office shall lose employment or office solely
because of the adoption of this Charter- Existing elected
officials may continue in office until the end `of the teen fo-t
which they .were elected..
Section 7.03 - Review of Existin Ordinances
All: ordinances,-resolutions and rules of..the City of
Laurel shall remain in effect until they have been reviewed,
revised or repealed by the council. The council shall review and,
where necessary, revise or repeal all.--city. ordinances, resolutions
and rules in order to provide for comnliance'and ccnsisten c,,/ with
this.Charter Wand law, by-.no later_,.t,han January-]., 1993,.
s
ADOPTED AND APPROVED BY THE LAUREL LOC'.AL-.. G=7-,_ N2,%,5 d1. STJ"LY
COXXISSION ON AUGUST 19, 1996.
.- Steve.! . K . Co ChaigMan
1Q
CERTIFICATE OF THE`PROPOSED-CHARTER
OF
THE CITE OF LAUREL
We, the members of the Local Government Study Commission.
of the City of Laurel, do hereby certify that the .attached° amend
foregoing Proposed. Charter of the ,City pf;, Laurel, comprising, den;
pages, with this certificate on the eleventh page thereof, is the
proposed plan of government approved and recommended by the Laurel
Local Government Study Commission on August 19, 1996.
In testimony whereof, we set our hands at Laurel, Montana
on this A/;. day of August, 1996.
Steven K..Cosner, Chaixa
M. Bradley, Vice-ckai
ATTEST:
Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk
Olson
11
CERTIFICATE
FOR THE APPORTIONMENT
OF COMMISSIONER DISTRICTS
Districts described by population and deviation from ideal are shown.
1990 population for the City of Laurel: 5,686
Mean population of each commissioner district: 1422
DISTRICT 1990 POPULATION % DEVIATION FROM
IDEAL POPULATION
1 1,416 -0.4
2 1,440 +1.3
3 1,416
-0.4
4 1,402 -1.4
We, the Study Commissioners of Laurel,
Montana do hereby certify that this is the
official apportionment plan for commissioner
districts approved by the Laurel Local
Government Study Commission.
SEAL
In. testimony whereof, we set our hands.
J )one at Laurel, Montana this day of
August, 1996.
ATTEST:..
Don Hackmann, City Clerk Steven K.ACosner, Chairman
Bradley
Olson
17
L{LJ
)kz
----- -Tj?-- Th,s document is intended for
- IJ- { inforinational purposes only.
Any information on this
L document is. not 9uaranteec4
to be accurate or current.
1 _ This document may not
be repraduced,-in anyway
rw-i thout advanced permission
-f'r'om the Yellowstone County
[iIS management committee.
This map was:plotted in
Montana
y t4AOB3
T State Plane Coordinates
E ? {,n feetl
LEGEND
d
Election Ward &S
02
03
-? --`-- - -_ --_Le1?--= B4
YELLOWSTONE COUNTY G1S
N ILL INGS, h1i714TAMA
?y CFfY GF LAUREL
i PROPOSED ELECTION WARDS
. - ?? ]:330 CENSUq- TOTALS
? III SCALE.: 7" - 20001t ?
_---- •fl '__f_. _. f lin iC Os .l an li3 iF_G.t 34 Wednesday
F11 LIUHL Mnaa•'::e1- t Y onnlmePaPol[-Ir l-verde-rer
CERTIFICATE
ESTABLISHING THE DATE OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION
AT WHICH THE ALTERNATIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT
SHALL BE PRESENTED TO THE ELECTORS OF
LAUREL, MONTANA
The alternative form of government being proposed by the
Laurel Local Government Study Comarnission shall be submitted to the ;
electors of the City of Laurel at a special election to be held at
the same time as the general election on November 5, 1996.
We, the me_-:Zbers of the Local Govern-
ment Study Commissior_of the City of
Laurel, do hereby certify that this,
is the date of the special election
approved by the Laurel Local Govern-
ment Study Commission.
In testimony whereof, we set our
hands at Laurel, Montana on this
Nineteenth day of August, 1996.
Steven,K . Cosner, I Chairman
os pF M.' Bradley, ViS,e-chai
Olson
ATTEST: DONALD L. HAC M NN., CITY CLERK
By z
Catherine Gabrian, Deputy Clerk
CERTIFICATE
ESTABLISHING THE OFFICIAL BALLOT-.FOR THE
NOVEMBER 5, 1995 SPECIAL ELECTION
OFFICIAL. BALLOT
BALLOT ON THE ALTERNATIVE FORM OF GOVERN!?NT
Instructions to voters: Place an "X" in the box which expresses
your preference Vote fog' one..
FOR adoption of the self-government Charter., which
retains the commission - executive structure for
Laurels government, proposed by. the Laurel Local
Government. Study-Commission.
/:/ FOR the.exi'sting commission - executive, plan of
government.
We, the members of the Local Goverr_-
'ment Study Commission. of the City "of
Laurel, do hereby certify that this
is the official ballot approved by
the Laurel Local 'Government Study
Commission.
In testimony- whereof, we; set our
hands at Laurel, montana: on this
Nineteenth day of .August, 1996.
Steven .7A.. Cosner, _ .Chai_
?T s M.. Sradlev.; ice-chairman
Keh Olson
ATTEST:. DONALD L. HACKMANN, CITY CLERK
Catherine Gabrian, Deputy Clerk
CITY OF LAUREL
COMPARISON OF SPECIFIC CI IA RACTERI,STICS OF TH E
MAYOR-COUNCIL AND CHARTER WITH MAYOII-COUNCIL PLAN OF GOVERNMENT
IST.iC PRESENT FORM OF PROPOSF,D FORM OF COMMENTS
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT
MAYOR-COUNCIL CHARTER
NT Elected council performs policy Elected council performs policy No change.
Fr making functions. -Elected mayor making functions. Elected mayor
administers govcrnment with the administers govcrnn?crnt with die
advise and consent of the council. advice and consent of cowicil.
General governmenl powers Self-government powers Self-government powers bring to the
town [lie power to act hi its own best
i interest, and flexibility in shaping
overnment structure.
GOWRNING BODY' Council and mayor,respon4le for all Council-and mayor responsible for all : No change,
legislative; executive and legislative, executive slid
administrative functions. administrative functions.
size 8•councilmembers elected 6om wards 8 coirncilmembers elected 6-orn wards No change.
in nonpartisan elections. in nonpartisan elections.
Mayor elected at large.. Mayor elected at large.
Term Four year overlapping tens. Four year overlapping terms. No. change.
Presiding Officer Mayor Mayor No change.
CHEF ADMINISTRATIVE The elected mayor adm»nisters the The elected mayor administers the No change.
OFFICER government on a part time basis. government on .a part time basis.
Powers and Duties The mayor carries out the policies of The mayor carries out the No change.
the council, advises the council, policies of the council, advises the
executes the budget, and enforces council, executes the budget, and
laws, ordinances and resolutions. enforces laws, ordinances and
resolutions.
Appointment Powers The mayor appoints department heads The mayor appoints and removes No change except that the council
and members of boards and department heads and appoints will be consulted about the removal
commissions with the consent of the members of boards acrd commissions of department heads.
council. with the consent of the council.
Budget Preparation Mayor prepares budget in cooperation Mayor prepares the budget in No change.
with department heads. Budget is cooperation with department heads.
then modified and approved by the Budget is [lien modifies and approved
city council. by the city COUnCII'.
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