The City of Rockville has operated for over 55 years under what is called the council-manager form of government, which is the most prevalent form in the US today.
The Mayor and Council, in accordance with the Rockville City Code, appoint three (3) leadership positions: City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney; all serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council.
The council-manager is comparable to a corporate structure with a Board of Directors, equivalent to the Mayor& Council, and a CEO, equivalent to our City manager.
The C-M form combines the strong political leadership of elected officials as the governing body with the strong managerial experience of an appointed manager.
All the policy & financial power is concentrated in the elected officials who hire a professionally trained manager to oversee the administration & delivery of services.
This means that Mayor& Council are the community leaders and policy makers responsive to the citizens wishes with a manager whose responsibility is carrying out policy and ensuring services delivery.
Like a corporation, the city manager or CEO serves at the pleasure of the governing body, the Mayor& Council, who serve in part-time capacities.
The Mayor serves as the leader of the Council including setting the Agenda for the meetings and other work of the M & C; representing the City before other levels of Government, and at various community events, as well as, represents the M & C in other forums as appropriate.
Inherent in the City Charter, the Mayor is seen as the De Facto leader of the City by bringing the necessary leadership required to meet the needs of the M & C and the community.
Jim Coyle
2012