Voters next Tuesday will decided if they want a administrator form of government or the current mayor, city council form. Also on the ballot will be the Democratic general primary runoff election for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and State Treasurer. Sample ballots can be found on page 15 of today's edition of the Greenwood Democrat.
There has been some question about what exactly is a city administrator form of government. The Arkansas Municipal League guidebook for municipal officials of city administrator cities says this about administrator form of government.
Any first class city or any city with a population of at least 2,500 may adopt the city administrator form of government (Hdbk. 14-48-101- 14-48-131). In the city administrator form of government, there are seven (7) elected directors and a mayor elected in non-partisan elections. A city with the city administrator form of government is divided into four (4) wards "composed of contiguous territory and substantially equal population."
The persons elected to fill these positions must reside in their respective wards. The other three positions and the position of mayor are elected at large. Members of the board of directors receive compensation for their attendance at regular meetings. In a city administrator form of government, the board of directors employs a city administrator who serves at the pleasure of the board. It is also the city administrator's responsibility to supervise all city employees, departments, agencies and offices and to perform such other duties as may be assigned by the board of directors.
€ The Duties of the Mayor in the City Administrator From of Government
€ Is recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes. € Presides at regular and special board meetings, but does not have a vote on any matters that come before the board.
€ Has the authority to sign on behalf of the city all written agreements, contracts, bonds, mortgages, pledges, indentures, conveyances and other written instruments which have been approved by the board of directors.
€ Has the power to veto all decisions made by the board except personnel decisions. The mayor's veto may be overridden by the affirmative vote of five (5) or more board members.
€ May receive a salary that is determined by the board of directors.
€ Must take the oath of office as required by the Arkansas Constitution.
Duties of the Board Members City Administrator Form of Government
The duties of board members in a city manage/administrator r form of government have more similarities than differences to board members in a mayor/council form of government. However, differences do exist.
€ The board's primary responsibilities are to set policy, approve the budget and determine tax rates.
€ The board constitutes the supreme legislative and executive body of the city.
€ The board has the responsibility to hire a city manager/administrator and to set the salary.
€ The board, on the vote of a majority of its elected membership, may terminate the city manager's employment, either with or without cause.
€ The board may set the procedures for making purchases under $20,000.
€ The board may set the meeting dates and times for the twice-a-month city board meetings provided that they are on the first and third week of each month. They may also set the time and place for special meetings.
