In this week's issue of the Fowler Tribune a new column will be added to help citizens find answers regarding town government, school issues, or other topics of interest. Please contact Elaine White or Alisha Miell at the Fowler Tribune with your questions. We will try to find the answer and publish a response.
Answer: The mayor is an elected official who presides over meetings of the board of trustees and performs the following duties:
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As required by statute, and for all ceremonial purposes, the mayor is the executive head of the town. He/She is the presiding officer of the board of trustees and only votes if there is a tie.
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He/She signs statutes, ordinances and resolutions as required, as well as any other document approved by trustees and/or the town.
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The mayor only exercises such powers as the trustees specifically confer upon him/her.
In contrast, the town administrator is the chief administrative officer of the town government with the following duties and authority:
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To enforce the laws, ordinances and policies of the town and contracts to which the town is a party;
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To be responsible to the mayor and board of trustees for the efficient administration of all departments of the town;
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To superintend and generally manage all town departments and their personnel;
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To superintend and generally manage all town personal property, including, but not limited to, appliances, vehicles and equipment used in connection therewith so that the personal property is properly maintained, ready for service and appropriately scheduled for replacement;
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To superintend and generally manage all town real property and improvements thereon so that the real property and improvements are properly maintained and ready for appropriate use;
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To prepare and submit to the mayor and board of trustees at each bimonthly meeting such reports as the mayor and board of trustees may require;
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To recommend to the mayor and board of trustees the adoption of such measures and policies as the town administrator deems necessary;
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To develop written procedures for administering and executing town policies;
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To attend town board of trustee meetings with the right to take part in discussions in an advisory capacity but shall not vote;
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To recommend an annual budget to the board of trustees, to administer the budget as finally adopted, and to keep the board of trustees fully advised at all times as to the financial condition of the town;
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To establish, subject to approval of the mayor and board of trustees, appropriate personnel rules and regulations governing officers and employees of the town, including the town administrator, but excluding the town attorney and municipal judge;
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To administer and be responsible for all departments and divisions of the town which are under the direction of the mayor and board of trustees, including, but not limited to, the administration department, public works department, water department, sewer department and the police department. The offices of the town attorney and municipal judge shall be responsible to the mayor and board of trustees;
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To appoint, discipline and remove all officers and employees in the service of the town, except the town attorney and municipal judge, pursuant to the town's personnel rules and regulations, state law and federal law;
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To provide written reviews of the employee performance for each employee not less frequently than annually. Each employee review shall contain both numerical ratings and written comments on various performance categories. Changes in employee compensation shall be approved by the mayor and board of trustees based on, but not limited by, such reviews and any other relevant information, including the town administrator's recommendations;
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To administer the town's municipal planning;
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To seek out town grant opportunities, coordinate grant writing for the town, obtain all permits and information required to obtain the various grants and loans, and assure proper administration of all grants and loans obtained by or on behalf of the town so as to meet all required schedules;
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To coordinate and oversee the town's economic development;
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To develop and disseminate appropriate public information regarding the town and its various activities;
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To receive, investigate and respond to public inquiries, complaints and concerns in a tactful, timely and respectful manner that recognizes the dignity of each individual and seeks fair and just resolutions;
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To receive continuing education so as to keep abreast of current trends in municipal management;
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To maintain good working relationships with state and federal agencies and their various representatives;
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To assure that the town remains compliant with state and federal water and wastewater regulations;
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To perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance, resolution, motion or by direction of the mayor and by the board of trustees as a whole.
Other towns in the Arkansas Valley who utilize a similar system of government include La Junta, Rocky Ford and Ordway.
