Municipal Government Structures: Charters, Councils, and Mayoral Authority

Diversity in County Government Structures

Historically, states created counties as their administrative arms, which is why counties are often described as legal subdivisions of the state. However, terminology varies:

• In Louisiana, counties are called “parishes.”
• In Alaska, counties are called “boroughs.”

Types of Municipal Charters

Municipalities operate under various types of charters:

• Special Act Charters
• General Act Charters
• Optional Charters
• Home Rule Charters

Models of City Government

Commission Model:

This model gives both legislative and executive powers to a small body, usually consisting of five members. The board of commissioners is directly responsible for the operation of city departments and agencies.

Council-Manager Model:

The council chooses the manager, who is responsible to it. All departments of the city government operate under the limits set by the merit system. The council’s role in administration is limited to selecting and dismissing the city manager.

The Role of Political Parties in Big City Politics

While political parties play less of a role in local politics than in national or state politics, their presence in big city politics is still observable.

Responsibilities of City Council Members

Members of the city council speak for and make decisions on behalf of the citizens of the community. Their primary roles include:

• Engaging in lawmaking.
• Responding to problems their constituents have with administrative agencies by seeking to bring about corrective action.
• Overseeing the execution of policy in order to ensure that the purpose of their lawmaking is accomplished.

The Role and Powers of Mayors in City Politics

Mayoral Legislative Powers and Veto Authority

The mayor may be required to share power over municipal affairs with county officials. Mayors’ legislative powers also vary widely:

• In about one-third of major council cities, the mayor also serves on the council.
• In about half of the major council cities, the mayor presides over meetings of the council and can cast a tie-breaking vote.
• In most cities where the mayor is not a member of the council, the mayor enjoys veto power over council-passed ordinances.

Distinguishing Strong and Weak Mayors

The veto power helps distinguish between strong mayor and weak mayor cities. Another distinction between strong and weak mayors is determined by their powers of administration.

Weak mayors have limited appointing powers and even more limited removal powers. They have little control over separately elected boards and commissions or separately elected offices such as Clerk, Treasurer, Tax Collector, and Attorney.

A mayor’s ability to provide strong leadership in many cities is limited by:

• Fragmented authority.
• Multiple elected officials.
• Limited jurisdiction over important women services.
• Civil service restrictions.