Administration

Background on the Council-Manager Form of Government

The council-manager form of local government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. Approximately 59% of US cities with populations of 25,000 or more, and 47% of US cities with populations of 5,000 or more have adopted the council-manager form.

Responsibilities of the City Manager/City Clerk

The primary responsibilities of a City Manager/City Clerk are to implement the policies of the elected City Council. In addition, in the council-manager government, the manager assumes responsibility for:

• Prepares the annual budget
• Attends council meetings
• Directs day-to-day operations, except the Library, Police and Fire Departments
• Makes recommendations and offer alternative solutions to the Mayor and City Council
• Informs and advises the Mayor and City Council on current issues and future needs of the city
• Responsible for the hiring of personnel and supervision of all city employees
• Coordinates the enforcement and implementation of Mayor and City Council directives, ordinances, and policies
• Supervises collection and disbursement of funds
• Publish City Council proceedings including all claims
• Publish all ordinances, enactments, proceedings and official notices requiring publication
• Certify all measures establishing any zoning, building lines, plat showing district, lines, or limits to the recorder of the County
• Maintain copies of all effective City ordinances and codes
• Have custody and be responsible for safekeeping of documents
• Maintain all City records and documents
• Provide copies of public documents
• Keep and file all communications and petitions directed to the Council or to the City
• Attend meetings of committees, boards and commissions as directed by the Council
• Issue or revoke license and permits authorized by the Code of Ordinances
• Carry out election duties as mandated by Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.4 and 376.6
• Supervises maintenance and construction of public works
• Supervises the purchase of supplies and equipment
• Plans future development for population growth and expansion of public services
• Recommends zoning regulation location and development of residential and commercial areas
• Responds to comments and questions from citizens, employees, and other municipalities
• Researches the most effective approach for handling an issue. Safe custody of all funds of the City
• Keep accurate record of all money or securities received
• Keep accurate account of all disbursements and property
• Deposit funds upon received of moneys
• Reconcile depository statements and certify balances of cash and investments to the City Council
• Keep a register of all bonds outstanding including payments of interest and principal

The City Clerk’s Office is also responsible for billing city utilities such as water, sewer, solid waste, storm sewer and recycling. Notary services are available at City Hall.

The City of Belmond has approximately 18 full-time and regular part-time employees. Also, there are 25 seasonal employees (life guards, park maintenance, and cemetery maintenance) hired each year.