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COUNCIL-MANAGER GOVERNMENT

The mayor-council form of government has been the most widely used over the years. Many cities today, however, are turning to another kind of municipal government—the council-manager form. Under this plan, citizens elect a council of several members. The council is chosen to carry out legislative duties. The council then hires a manager to take care of the day-to-day business of the city.

The council-manager government began as part of a reform movement in the early 1900's. It was first tried in the city of Staunton, Virginia, in 1908. In many cases, it was adopted in areas that needed quick action to solve pressing problems. The people of Day­ton, Ohio, for example, turned to the council-manager form after a flood.

In most council-manager governments today, the manager controls the various city departments. He or she appoints and dismisses department heads and other leaders. The manager also prepares the budget and may advise the council on important matters. The manager thus carries out many executive duties.

Keep in mind, however, that the manager is hired to conduct city business as directed by the council. It is the council that sets basic policy. If the council is not pleased with the manager's work, he or she can be fired at any time.

In some cities, the council-manager government also includes a mayor. The mayor may be elected by the people or chosen by the council. Under this plan, however, the mayor has few powers.

Today, more than one third of all cities, including Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and Cincinnati, Ohio, use the council-manager form.

 

Figure 4

COUNCIL-MANAGER GOVERNMENT

 

 


Date: 2015-01-12; view: 874


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TEXT 3: MUNICIPALITIES | COMMISSION GOVERNMENT
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