The town manager shall be the chief administrative officer and head of the administrative branch of the town. The town manager shall be responsible to the town council for the proper administration of all affairs of the town and to that end shall have the power and be required to:
(1) Devote all of their working time and attention to the affairs of the town and to be responsible to the town council for the efficient administration of the town’s affairs.
(2) Report directly to the town council.
(3) Attend all meetings of the town council, except when excused by the council. The town manager shall have the right to participate in discussions and be given the opportunity to respond to questions directed to the town manager by the town council, mayor, and/or town staff, but the town manager shall not vote. Unless exclusion of the town manager is necessary because of the subject matter to be addressed or by virtue of applicable law, the town manager shall be permitted to attend closed sessions of the town council conducted pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(4) In cooperation with the town attorney, see that all state laws and town ordinances are effectively enforced.
(5) Exercise supervision and control over all departments created by the town council. The town manager shall have hiring and firing authority over town staff. Department heads in the town shall report to the town manager and shall direct any and all communications intended for the town council through the town manager. In accordance with the town charter, the town manager shall hire the police chief and the town secretary subject to the approval of the town council.
(6) Organize the employees of the town into various departments and divisions with the concurrence of the town council.
(7) See that all contracts with the town, including public utility franchises, are faithfully kept and performed, and upon knowledge of any violation thereof to call the same to the attention of the town attorney, whose duty it shall be to take such steps as may be necessary to enforce the same. The town manager shall be the primary or initial contact for all contractors seeking to enter into a contract with the town, except for those matters in which the involvement of the town attorney might be required or warranted.
(8) Prepare a proposed budget annually and submit it to the town council not less than sixty (60) days prior to the close of the fiscal year of each year. The proposed budget shall represent a budget of proposed revenue and expenditures for the ensuing year. Such proposed budget shall be presented to the town council for its consideration and approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year. Upon approval of the fiscal year budget by the town council, the town manager shall file the budget as required by state law. Upon such approval, the town manager shall have the authority to transfer funds between accounts and departments. The town manager or designee shall be a signatory on all accounts in which funds are deposited. Transfer of funds between funds shall require approval of the town council.
(9) Prepare and submit to the town council at the end of the fiscal year a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the town for the preceding year.
(10) Keep the town council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the town and make such recommendations as appropriate.
(11) Act as the purchasing agent for the town and be responsible for all purchases made in the name of the town. The town manager shall have authority to obligate the town, and to execute necessary contracts or documents in connection therewith, without first obtaining the approval of the town council, for all budgeted expenditures not exceeding $25,000.00 as to one matter or item. All other expenditures, including those not included in the budget of the applicable year, must be first approved by the town council.
(12) Prepare personnel rules subject to the approval of council.
(13) Advise and assist the mayor and town council in the formulation and establishment of administrative policies for operation of Town government departments and offices, as well as developing policy related to the general future direction of town government.
(14) Prepare the official agenda of all town council meetings and meetings of the boards and commissions.
(15) Assist the town council in advising and furnishing leadership to civic organizations dealing with specific items affecting the town’s welfare.
(16) Communicate with residents, including answering questions and providing information on matters related to the business of the town.
(17) Serve as the lead development officer of the town and shall inform the town council of, and be informed by the town council in regard to, any communications or contacts initiated by, sent to, or made to the town council regarding any communications or contacts concerning economic development matters related to the town.
(18) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance, resolution, or as directed by the town council.
(Ordinance 21-0513D, sec. 5, adopted 5/13/21)