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1. Rochester has the council-manager form of government. What is that?

The council-manager form is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The governing body, commonly known as the Council, may also be referred to as the Commission or the Board. The council-manager form 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 City services.

2. What does the City Manager do?

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to serve as the chief administrative officer of the City. It is the responsibility of the City Manager to carry out policies formulated by the City Council. The City Manager is also responsible for the supervision and management of all the services of the City, including the enforcement of the City Code of ordinances, Charter, and applicable laws of the State. The City Manager prepares the City's budget for consideration by the City Council and is responsible for administering the budget as adopted. The City Manager is also responsible for keeping the Council informed as to the financial affairs of the City.

3. Does the City Manager participate in policy determination?

The City Manager makes policy recommendations to the Council, but the Council may or may not adopt them and may modify the recommendations. The City Manager is bound by whatever action the Council takes.