City Manager
The City of Hamilton operates under the Council-Manager form of government established in 1926. The City Council serves as the legislative body, establishing policy and creating laws, while the City Manager is responsible for the administration of the City departments.
As Chief Executive Officer for the municipality, the City Manager is responsible for a work force of more than 700 permanent employees and a $200+ million budget. The City Manager is also the Public Safety Director for the City and is responsible for police protection provided by a force of over 100 full time professionals and a fire protection service staffed by more than 100 full time fire fighters. The seven-member Council, which is elected to staggered four-year terms in non-partisan elections, appoints the City Manager. The Council operates as the legislative branch of the City and directs the City Manager (executive branch) on how it wants to see the City progress.
During the City Manager’s absence, the Deputy City Manager/Managing Director of Operations acts as City Manager and performs a wide range of administrative and managerial functions as assigned by the Manager and Council.
Deputy City Manager/ Managing Director of Operations
This individual is responsible for the general administration of the City’s utility operations which include the Gas & Water Department, Electric Department, and Wastewater Division as well as the Public Works Department.
The Managing Director of Operations has oversight responsibilities and involvement in project management, personnel and labor/management issues, indenture compliance and utility financing, legislative and utility environmental issues, liability insurance claims involving the utilities, and negotiations with industry and other utility organizations for energy purchases, sales and transmission. Further duties include representation of the City’s interest at City Council and staff meetings in the City Manager’s absence, and in professional organizations from which the City of Hamilton Utility systems derive mutual benefit and support.