Chapter 2.06
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Sections:
2.06.080 Vacancy in mayor’s office.
2.06.010 Office created.
There is hereby created the office of the city administrator, which office shall be filled by appointment by the mayor, subject to confirmation by a majority of the city council; said administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.020 Requirements.
(1) Education. Completion of the requirements for B.A. or master’s degree in public or business administration or the equivalent thereof that includes the following:
(2) Training and Experience. Four years of managerial experience in positions equivalent to city administrator/manager, assistant city administrator/manager in a similar sized organization; or executive level position in a general-purpose local government, government agency, or equivalent, or substituting course work or training in public or business administration for up to two years of experience.
(3) Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, abilities and skills to perform the duties described below.
(4) Required Knowledge, Ability and Skills.
(a) Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of municipal administration, including the fundamentals of finance, personnel administration, and operations;
(b) Thorough knowledge of intergovernmental relations and the functions of the various jurisdictions;
(c) Thorough working knowledge of laws applicable to municipalities including but not limited to open public meetings, public records, purchasing, bidding, and selection of consultants in an optional code city;
(d) Ability to conduct research in complex and varied governmental subjects;
(e) Ability to assess the training needs of the city administrative staff and provide the training or make arrangements for the same;
(f) Ability to exercise technical supervision over a group of administrative personnel;
(g) Knowledge of business practices and ability to assess the impact of various city programs on the local business climate; attempt to resolve conflicts between the city and businesses;
(h) Ability to coordinate the activities of departments and agencies;
(i) Ability to identify, select and manage consultants to accomplish individual tasks or ongoing programs as necessary;
(j) Ability to draft correspondence including reports, research papers, funding applications, ordinances, policies, and press releases accurately;
(k) Ability to assess manpower needs of the city, define job descriptions and negotiate labor contracts;
(l) Ability to present ideas effectively both orally and in writing;
(m) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, public officials, and subordinates. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.030 Scope of authority.
Under the direction of authority of the mayor, the city administrator shall plan, organize, supervise, administer and coordinate the activities and functions of the various city officers, departments, commissions and boards in implementing the requirements of city ordinances and policies of the city council; assure the effective and efficient utilization of the city employees and funds, materials, facilities and time; and direct and control the overall operations of the city to assure optimum services to the community. The administrator shall:
(1) Provide policy guidance and coordinate the activities of department heads and staff support;
(2) Serve as personnel officer for the city, to the extent delegated by and under the direction of the mayor;
(3) Supervise all purchasing and expenditures by the various city offices, departments, commissions, and boards for the purpose of keeping the same within the limitations of the annual budget for the city, so much as is possible;
(4) Attend all meetings of the city council and such other meetings as may be required by the mayor and city council;
(5) Make recommendations and assist the mayor and city council in the formulation and establishment of administrative policies;
(6) In cooperation with the city clerk-treasurer and city attorney to keep the mayor and city council fully advised of the financial and operational condition of the city and its future needs and to assist in the preparation and submission to the mayor and council of any reports necessary for the expedient running of the business of the city;
(7) Report to the mayor on a regular basis, using email and other forms of communication and periodically, or as requested, to the city council regarding the status of projects and functions of city activities;
(8) Foster cooperative working relationships with citizens, businesses, civic groups, intergovernmental agencies and city staff and investigate all complaints in relation to matters concerning the administration of the government of the city;
(9) Oversee the enforcement of all city ordinances; monitor all contractual agreements with franchises, leases, contracts, permits and privileges granted by the city;
(10) Assist the police chief, building inspector, planning department and any and all other departments of the city in administering all ordinances and policies subject to licensing, taxing, code enforcement, land use, and inspection of buildings and developments within the city;
(11) Assist the clerk-treasurer in compiling a complete inventory of the property, real and personal, and equipment, owned or leased by the city and file amended inventories thereof annually as to other property;
(12) Be informed about federal and state grant and loan opportunities that could be of pecuniary value to the city, and alert city officials of any opportunities for taking advantage of federal and state grants which could benefit the city, and shall plan and prepare data for grants and/or funded programs and maintain or establish intergovernmental coordination related to available funding;
(13) Partner with the clerk-treasurer in preparation and submittal of the annual budget to the mayor for submission to the city council;
(14) With or as directed by the mayor, represent the city in the community and at professional meetings; maintain working relationships with citizens, organizations, legislators, and outside agencies;
(15) Depending on the current city status, the city administrator may have to perform the duties of the planner. This includes but is not limited to providing information to the planning commission and attending their meetings;
(16) Perform the duties of the public works director as directed by the mayor. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.040 Selection committee.
A selection committee appointed by the mayor and city council will interview applicants and make recommendations as to the most qualified finalists. Final selection will be made by the mayor with the approval of the city council. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.050 Salary.
The administrator shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the city council at the time salaries are set, as provided by law. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.060 Residency.
Upon appointment, the city administrator shall establish residence in the city or the immediate vicinity as established in Chapter 2.72 WMC within one year of their starting date. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.070 Resignation.
In the event that the administrator chooses to terminate his/her position with the city, he/she shall provide the city with a written statement of resignation at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the termination of employment. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)
2.06.080 Vacancy in mayor’s office.
In the event of vacancy in the position of mayor, there being a hiatus in the law as to the responsibility and authority of the city administrator to carry out his/her duties and to whom he/she shall become responsible, the city does declare that in such event as the mayor’s office be vacant or unfilled, the city administrator shall report directly to the city council until such time as a mayor pro tem shall be appointed. The mayor pro tem shall not have the authority to discharge the city administrator without the majority consent of the council, such consent to be required of the council until such time as a new mayor takes office by election or appointment. (Ord. 1673 § 2, 2023)