Administration

Overview

In 1954, the City of Ferguson became a charter city and one of the first cities in St. Louis County to adopt the council-manager form of government. The city manager is the chief executive and administrative officer of the City of Ferguson and is responsible to the City Council for the proper administration of the affairs of the city. In a council-manager government, the council essentially hires the city manager to run the day-to-day operations of the city. To that end the city manager in Ferguson has the following powers and duties, listed below.

Powers & Duties

• Appoint (or hire), supervise, and, when necessary, remove all employees of the city, except the city clerk, who is appointed by the council.
• Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the city, except as otherwise provided by the charter or by law.
• Create and update all job descriptions for employees of the city not otherwise prescribed by the city charter or by law.
• Prepare an annual budget and submit it to the city council. Implement the budget and be responsible for its administration after adoption.
• Prepare and submit to the City Council, as of the end of the fiscal year, a complete report of the finances and administrative activities of the city for the year.
• Keep the council advised of the financial condition of the city and make recommendations concerning its future needs.
• Attend all meetings of the council and as many committee meetings as possible. The city manager takes part in council discussions but has no voting power.
• Enforce all laws and ordinances and see that all contracts and franchises are faithfully performed.