As with any goal oriented organization, the
performance of a municipality is based on its ability to function as a team. The
council-manager form of government was designed to blend the political and
administrative realms into a team by reducing the system of checks and balances
that characterize our state and federal governments, where separation of
legislative and executive powers is valued. The relationship between the
manager and the elected officials sets a tone for the entire municipality. Although some
elected officials prefer to be combative and attempt to frustrate the team
relationship between and among members of the council and between the council
and the staff, it is critical that the manager prepare the council for this role.
The Council’s role expectations, decision
making process and program performance evaluation system will define the
quality of the municipal organization. The Council’s roles within an effective
team are as political values advocates, policy-makers and feedback system.
