Dublin City Council Structure
The City of Dublin is governed by the Council/Manager form of government, combining the strong political leadership of elected officials with the strong managerial experience of an appointed manager. Under this system, Council serves as the policy making body in the community, with its members elected to represent the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. Council members elect a Mayor and Vice Mayor from their ranks to serve a two-year term. The City Manager is appointed by Council to carry out long-range policies and to provide for the day-to-day operation of the City.
City of Dublin Revised Charter
The City's Revised Charter is similar to a constitution. The Revised Charter establishes the form and organization of the City's government. It allows for City of Dublin self-governance or "Home Rule," regarding matters of interest to local government, rather than decision making by the State General Assembly or by state statute.
Council-Manager Form of Government
The City of Dublin operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The elected Council establishes goals and policies with day-to-day administration carried out by a City Manager and staff.
Responsibilities
The legislative body of the City is the City Council. Council members are the only elected officials under the City's Revised Charter and are representatives of Dublin residents. The Council is comprised of seven members - three elected at large and four elected from each of the four wards of Dublin. All Council members serve a term of four years. The main functions of City Council are to set policy, establish City goals and oversee and approve the annual budget.
Other Council responsibilities include:
- Levy taxes and assessments, as well as to incur debt
- Authorize the number of employees in the various City departments and to establish their rate of compensation and other conditions of employment
- Create, combine, change and eliminate offices, departments, divisions, offices, bureaus, boards and commissions in the City
- Establish, by ordinance or resolution, the rates or charges made by consumers of all municipal utilities and services
- Provide for an independent audit of the accounts and records of the City, which may be in addition to required audits by state offices and agencies
Compensation
Salaries of all elected officials of the municipality are established by Council by ordinance or resolution. Each member of Council currently receives an annual salary of $9,000. The Vice Mayor receives $10,000 and the Mayor receives $13,500.
Duties of Dublin Officials
City Council
- Comprised of seven members elected for four-year terms: three at-large, four elected from four wards
- Constitutes the governing body of the City
- Establishes long-range goals and adopts policies to guide the direction of the City and legislation
- Selects Mayor, Vice Mayor and committee members from its members every two years
Mayor
- Elected by fellow City Council members to serve a two-year mayoral term
- Presides at City Council meetings and Mayor's Court
- Performs ceremonial duties and functions
City Manager
- Appointed by City Council
- Serves as chief executive and law enforcement officer of the City
- Responsible to City Council for administration of all City affairs
- Manages day-to-day operations by directing work of all departments
- Appoints, promotes, suspends and removes City staff
- Executes all contracts, leases, deeds, easements, conveyances and agreements on behalf of the City
Clerk of Council
Appointed by City Council
- Maintains record of proceedings of City Council and record of ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council
- Provides notice of regular and special meetings of City Council
- Performs all duties outlined in the Revised Charter or as directed by City Council
Standing Committees Of City Council
Standing Committees consist of members of City Council who review and report on issues referred to them by City Council as a whole. These Standing Committees report to City Council as a regular part of the City Council meeting agenda.
Administrative Committee
Reviews issues relating to City Council employee evaluations; City personnel policies, compensation and benefits; board and commission appointments; strategic planning; goal setting; policy process; marketing and communications and City Council procedures and operations.
Community Development Committee
Reviews issues relating to economic development, growth management and transportation systems.
Finance Committee
Reviews issues related to taxation policy; budget development and review; hotel/motel tax grant applications and fees.
Public Services Committee
Reviews issues related to police, fire and emergency medical services; traffic and related issues; public health and human services; parks and recreation; utilities, telecommunications and energy; and engineering.