In a council-manager form, which entity handles day-to-day administration, department supervision, budget preparation, and strategic implementation?

In a council-manager form, which entity handles day-to-day administration, department supervision, budget preparation, and strategic implementation?

• A. The city manager
• B. The elected mayor
• C. The city council
• D. The city attorney

Answer: (A)

In a council-manager form, day-to-day administration is handled by a professional manager who serves as the chief administrator hired by the council. The council sets policy and strategic direction, and the manager translates those policies into action by supervising department heads, coordinating services, and driving the organization’s work. Budget preparation and ongoing implementation of council-approved plans are part of the manager’s responsibilities, ensuring that programs run smoothly and efficiently. The mayor in this setup is typically a largely ceremonial or figurehead role within the council, not the person who runs daily operations. The council, not the manager, makes policy, while the manager executes it and maintains administrative continuity.

In a council-manager form, day-to-day administration is handled by a professional manager who serves as the chief administrator hired by the council. The council sets policy and strategic direction, and the manager translates those policies into action by supervising department heads, coordinating services, and driving the organization’s work. Budget preparation and ongoing implementation of council-approved plans are part of the manager’s responsibilities, ensuring that programs run smoothly and efficiently. The mayor in this setup is typically a largely ceremonial or figurehead role within the council, not the person who runs daily operations. The council, not the manager, makes policy, while the manager executes it and maintains administrative continuity.