Chapter 2.10 OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER*

Chapter 2.10
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER*

Sections:

2.10.030 City manager – Scope of authority.

* Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 3169 repealed and reenacted this chapter. Prior to its repeal and reenactment, the chapter concerned the city manager and was based on the provisions of Ords. 2677 and 2876.

2.10.010 Office created.

The office of city manager is created and established. (Ord. 3169 § 3 (Exh. C), 2017).

2.10.020 City manager – Appointment.

The city manager shall be appointed by the city council, as provided in Chapter 35A.13 RCW, to serve at the pleasure of the city council. The city council, in its discretion, may specify additional terms and conditions of employment in a written agreement executed and approved by the city council; provided, that such contract may not vary the terms of this chapter and shall be in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 35A.13 RCW. The city manager shall have experience and education suitable to manage the city. This includes a minimum of five years’ management experience in duties related to the responsibilities of the position, and a master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which equips the applicant with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties and functions of city manager. The compensation to be paid to the city manager shall be established by the city council in the annual budget. (Ord. 3169 § 3 (Exh. C), 2017).

2.10.030 City manager – Scope of authority.

The city manager shall have all powers, duties and authority as provided in Chapter 35A.13 RCW. Pursuant to and in accordance with Chapter 35A.13 RCW, the city manager shall administer, manage and coordinate the departments, activities and functions of the city to implement city ordinances and policies through the effective use of city employees, funds, materials, facilities and time, and shall direct and control the overall operations of the city to assure optimum services to the community. The city manager shall also serve as chief financial and accounting supervisor and advisor to the city council and shall advise the city council of the financial plans, functions and needs of the city. (Ord. 3169 § 3 (Exh. C), 2017).

2.10.040 City manager – Duties.

The city manager or the manager’s designee shall have all powers and duties as described in Chapter 35A.13 RCW, including, but not limited to, the following powers and duties:

A. Plan and direct administrative activities of the city; develop and implement internal policies, programs and operating objectives; and take necessary actions to improve operations; and

B. Directly supervise all city departments and department directors; and

C. Assist the city council in developing long-term financial planning policies and goals for the city; implement the city’s financial policies to accomplish the city’s goals and objectives related to provision of city services, including plans of future capital facilities, general accounting system, billing, purchasing and investment of city funds; and

D. Delegate responsibility as necessary to accomplish the desired objectives; and

E. Coordinate and supervise the preparation of the preliminary budget for submittal to the city council and administer the final budget after its adoption; and

F. Act as the city’s representative at meetings with other governmental officials, agencies and commissions, and at conferences, conventions, and seminars related to public management, as directed by the city council; and

G. Serve as personnel officer for the city. As personnel officer the city manager shall work with the department heads to prepare, implement and enforce a city personnel manual and orientation handbook, establish a management training program, act as the city’s representative in negotiating labor union (collective bargaining) agreements, and supervise the hiring and discharge of all city employees except city personnel, including the fire and police departments, subject to civil service laws, ordinances or regulations; and

H. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the responsibility of the civil service commission relative to uniformed personnel; and

I. Meet with the city council as often as is necessary to keep them informed of the status and result of departmental operations and projects; and

J. Act to resolve operational conflicts, decide and implement alternative courses of action, formulate and administer policies, and otherwise make decisions to assure the maximum efficiency of the general operations of the city; and

K. Provide information and advice to the city council, other public officials, and the public concerning the city’s operations; and

L. Regularly attend meetings of the city council, and other boards and commissions as necessary to coordinate and satisfy the administrative needs of the city; and

M. Serve as risk manager for the city, serve as secretary and chief examiner to the civil service commission, and recruit and appoint city department heads; and

N. Assist the city council in the solicitation and appointment of members of advisory boards and commissions; and

O. Assist the city council generally in conducting all the city’s business and perform such other duties, and assume such other responsibilities, as the city council shall direct and as may be required by ordinances and resolutions adopted by the city council. (Ord. 3169 § 3 (Exh. C), 2017).