The County manager is the chief administrative officer of San Juan County. The County manager is appointed by, and directly accountable to, the County council. The County manager is responsible for the execution of the County council's policy directives, and for the management of County administrative departments. The duties and responsibilities of the County manager are defined by Section 4.41 of the San Juan County Charter, and may be further defined or clarified by agreement between the council and the manager. Balanced with the County manager's accountability to the County council, there is a need for the council to allow the County manager the freedom to accomplish the duties and responsibilities of the office.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 3.1; Ord. 21-2024 § 13)
The County manager shall attend all meetings of the County council, unless excused by the chair or council. The County manager may recommend for adoption by the council such measures deemed necessary or expedient; prepare and submit to the council such reports as may be required by the body or as the County manager deems advisable to submit; keep the council advised as to the business of the County; and shall be available to take part in the council's discussion on all matters concerning the welfare of the County.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 3.2; Ord. 21-2024 § 14)
The duty to "sign all orders made and warrants issued by order of the legislative authority for the payment of money" assigned to the auditor in RCW 36.22.010(6) shall be the duty of the County manager under the provisions of the San Juan County Charter.
(Res. 37-2006; Ord. 21-2024 § 15)
When complaints are made by citizens about staff actions directly to an individual council member, the council member should refer the matter directly to the County manager and department director for review and/or action. Council members shall not individually direct the work of staff or develop a "personal intervention" pattern. The individual council member will be informed of the action or response made to the complainant.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 3.3; Ord. 21-2024 § 16)
Attendance at meetings by staff of County administrative departments shall be at the discretion of the County manager, except in a state of emergency, two or more council members may request attendance of specific staff at a meeting on the topic of the emergency.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 3.5; Ord. 21-2024 § 18)
A. 
Administrative Presentations. In order to enhance public understanding of complex issues, presenters are encouraged to include the use of visual communications if appropriate and as time allows. Presenters should have copies of materials available for the attending public.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 3.6)