ADMINISTRATION
WHAT IS THE MANAGER’S FUNCTION?
The manager is hired to serve council and the community by bringing to local government the benefits of training and experience, in administering local government projects and programs, on behalf of the governing body. The manager prepares a budget for the council’s consideration. They also recruit, hire, and supervise the borough’s staff and serve as the council’s chief adviser. Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term consequences. The manager makes policy recommendations to the council, which they may or may not adopt, and may modify the recommendations. The manager is bound by whatever action the council takes.
WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S FUNCTION?
The Administrative Assistant supports the manager and serves the community by handling correspondence, memoranda, forms, and a variety of reports related to Bureau operations. This role involves frequent interaction with the public, government officials, and interdepartmental staff, including responding to telephone inquiries and providing information as needed.
WHAT IS THE COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM?
The council-manager form of government is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. This form of government establishes a representative system, where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.