Council Manager Form of Government
On April 4, 1987 Southlake voters approved home rule charter which established a Council/Manager form of government. The Council/Manager form of government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials and the strong professional experience of a City Manager.
The Mayor and City Council establish policy and law while the City Manager has responsibility for submitting the annual budget, directing day-to-day operations, advising the City Council on matters affecting the City and appointing and removing city personnel. Below is a brief breakdown of Mayor, Council, and City Manager responsibilities.
Mayor Accountability
- Presides at its meetings and votes
- Head of government for ceremonial purposes
- No administrative duties
- Spokesperson for the city
- Facilitates communication
Council Accountability
- Determine "purpose," scope of services, tax levels, constitution issues
- Pass ordinances, approve new projects or programs, ratify budget,
- Make implementing decisions, handle complaints, oversee administration,
- Suggest management changes to manager, oversee organizational performance through Manager's appraisal
City Manager Accountability
- Advise; analyze conditions and trends;
- Make recommendations, formulate budget, develop service palette;
- Establish practices and procedures;
- Make decisions for implementing policy;
- Control the human, material and informational resources necessary to support the policy and administrative functions.