Duties of Certain Local Government Officials

The powers and duties of this individual depend on the form of government used by the municipality. 

If the town or city has hired a city manager, the mayor often assumes a more ceremonial role. The mayor may welcome people to the community or speak at public events. Even if the mayor’s role is more ceremonial this person still runs the council meetings, helps set the agenda, and can vote when there is a tie.

If the city doesn’t have a hired administrator/manager, the mayor assumes many of the executive functions. This means the mayor can hire, supervise, and manage city employees and department heads. The mayor will often work closely with the clerk or finance officer to set the city budget and acts more as an executive of the town then a member of the legislative body. The mayor still runs the council meetings, sets the agendas, and can vote when there is a tie.