§ 13-904. Powers and duties

(a) The Manager shall carry out the policies laid down by the Council and to that end he or she shall be the Chief Executive Officer and the head of the administrative branch of the City government and shall be responsible to the Council for the efficient administration thereof.

(b) The Manager shall attend all meetings of the Council, except when his or her removal is being considered, and keep them informed of the financial condition and future needs of the City and shall make such reports as may be required by law, this charter, or ordinance, or may be requested by the Council. He or she shall make such other reports and recommendations as he or she may deem advisable, but may not vote. He or she shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this charter, or required of him or her by law, ordinance, or resolution of the Council not inconsistent with this charter.

(c) The Manager shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees except the Zoning Board, but may not vote.

(d) The Manager shall prepare the annual budget and submit it to the Council and be responsible for its administration after adoption, in accordance with subchapter 13 of this charter.

(e) The Manager shall compile for general distribution at the end of each fiscal year a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City for the year.

(f) The Manager shall provide to the Council a monthly financial statement, with a copy to the City Treasurer.

(g) The Manager shall be responsible for the enforcement of all City laws and ordinances.

(h) The Manager shall be responsible for the collection of all taxes due the City.

(i) The Manager shall be the General Purchasing Agent of the City and purchase all supplies for every department thereof.

(j) The Manager shall be responsible for the system of accounts, except where otherwise delegated under this charter.

(k) The Manager shall be responsible for the operation of all departments of the City, not otherwise provided for in this charter or the laws of the State.

(l) The Manager shall have exclusive authority to appoint, fix the salary of, suspend, and remove all employees of the City appointed by him or her subject to the provisions of this charter. He or she should advise the Council of his or her intention before appointing, removing, or suspending the head of a department.

(m) The Manager may, when advisable or proper, delegate to subordinate officers and employees of the City, any duties conferred upon him or her by this charter or by action of the Council, and hold them responsible for the faithful discharge of such duties, but the City Manager shall remain ultimately responsible to the Council for all administrative actions under his or her jurisdiction.

(n) The Manager, by letter filed with the City Clerk, may appoint an officer or employee of the City to perform his or her duties during his or her temporary absence or disability. In the event of failure of the Manager to make such designation, the Council may by resolution appoint an officer or employee of the City to perform the duties of the Manager until he or she shall return or his or her disability shall cease. However, if the Manager has within his or her administration, formed and appointed the position of Assistant City Manager, said Assistant shall automatically assume the Manager's responsibilities during his or her temporary absence or disability.