Council-Manager Form of Government

The City of Stanfield operates under the council-manager form of government. In the council-manager form of government, the council is the governing body of the city, elected by the public, and the city manager is hired by the council to carry out the policies it establishes. The council consists of the Mayor and 6 Councilors. The mayor is elected by the public and serves as the political head of the city government. In conducting council business, the mayor only votes in the case of a tie. The city manager is the administrative head of the city government.

The council provides legislative direction while the city manager is responsible for day-to-day administrative operations of the city based on the council’s recommendations. The mayor and council, as a collegial body, are responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. The city manager serves as the council’s chief advisor. The city manager also serves at the pleasure of the council and is responsible for preparing the budget, directing day-to-day operations, and hiring and firing personnel.

The mayor also appoints, with Council approval, members of various Boards and Commissions that serve as advisory bodies to the Council on legislative issues.