Government

Overview

The City of Batavia operates under a Council-Manager form of government and has done so since January 1, 1958.  The two major components to this system of government are the City Council and City Manager.

The City Council is the legislative body, establishing City policies, while the City Manager is the administrator designated to carry out the directives of the Council.  The City of Batavia’s City Council consists of three Council persons-at-large and six Council members elected by ward.  The Council members serve four year terms. 

City Council

The City Council, under the City Charter, is given certain specific duties:  to set policy, to appoint the City Manager, to approve the budget and to enact local laws, resolutions and ordinances.  Enactment of a local law must be preceded by a public hearing.  A majority vote of the Council is required to pass such a law.  Council members also make appointments to certain citizen advisory committees. 

City Manager

The City Manager, appointed by the Council, is the chief administrative officer of the City.  It is the Manager’s responsibility to supervise and coordinate the work of the departments, prepare and submit to Council an annual budget, enforce City ordinances and state laws, and execute all contracts, leases and deeds authorized by Council.  The City Manager keeps Council informed about the fiscal condition and future needs of the City.