§ 11-44E-92 — Powers and Duties of City Manager

The city manager shall be the administrative head of the city. He (She) shall devote all his (her) working time and attention to the affairs of the city and shall be responsible to the commission for the efficient administration of all the affairs of the city over which he (she) has jurisdiction. He (She) shall have the power and it shall be his (her) duty:
(1) To administer the policies of the commission, the code of ordinances of the city, and state and federal laws pertaining to the city as provided herein. For the purpose of said administration, the commission does hereby authorize and direct the city manager to see that all duties and authority conferred upon it by law, all city ordinances, resolutions, policies, and directives are carried out, and any and all his (her) acts shall be for and in the name of the city and/or the commission; provided, however, there is hereby excepted and excluded those duties and authority given by the commission, state, and federal laws to other boards, agencies, and officials.
(2) To direct the affairs of all department heads and to appoint and, when necessary for the good of the service, discipline, and remove all heads of departments, or other employees appointed by the city manager. Said appointments and removal shall be done only upon the recommendation of the city manager and subsequent approval by the commission. All such appointments shall be made upon merit and fitness alone. The city manager may, without notice, cause the affairs of any department head or employee to be examined. All appointments, removals, or suspensions shall be subject to regulations, authority, and provisions of any civil service act or merit system act relating to such city.
(3) To exercise control over all departments under his (her) supervision now in existence or that may hereinafter be created by the commission.
(4) To recommend to the commission the creating, consolidating, and combining of offices, positions or departments of the administrative and operational departments of the city.
(5) To plan, organize, and supervise the operations of the city’s various department heads so as to promote harmony, economy, efficiency, and cooperation among the departments and with the other agencies, commissions, and committees as hereinabove set forth.
(6) To investigate all complaints in relation to matters concerning the administration and operation of the city government and services maintained by the public utilities of the city.
(7) To see that all terms and conditions imposed in favor of the city or its inhabitants in any public utility franchise are faithfully kept and performed and, upon the knowledge of any violation thereof, to call the same to the attention of the commission.
(8) The city manager, or an officer appointed by him (her), shall be the purchasing agent for the city for purchases for departments under his (her) control.
(9) To attend all meetings of the commission with the right to take part in the discussions but having no vote. The city manager shall be entitled to notice of all special meetings.
(10) To keep the commission fully advised at all times as to the financial condition and needs of the city.
(11) To prepare, or cause to be prepared, each year, an operations budget and supplemental budget as provided in Article 6 of this chapter.
(12) To cause to be prepared and presented to the commission semiannually a statement showing the exact financial condition of the city as of the end of the preceding quarter and showing amounts appropriated, amounts expended, and unexpended balance of the items of appropriation.
(13) To recommend to the commission adoption of such measures as he (she) may deem necessary or expedient.
(14) To insure that proper accounting procedures are established and followed.
(15) To seek to improve the relationship between the city government and the public by the formulation of an adequate program which shall include personnel training as well as public relations.
(16) To perform such other lawful duties as may be required by resolution or ordinance of the commission.
(17) To assure that each administrative unit of the municipality develops written operating procedures for that unit.

Legislative History

(Acts 1988, No. 88-445, p. 660, §5.03.)