City Administrator’s Office
Scott Peterson
220 N. Chestnut Street
Jefferson, IA 50129
515-386-3111

515-386-4671 (f)

Available Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

scottp@cityofjeffersoniowa.org

Background on the Council-Manager Form of Government

The council-manager form of local government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. Approximately 59% of US cities with populations of 25,000 or more, and 47% of US cities with populations of 5,000 or more have adopted the council-manager form.

Responsibilities of the City Administrator

The primary responsibilities of a city administrator are to implement the policies of the elected City Council. In addition, in the council-manager government, the manager assumes responsibility for:

  • Prepares the annual budget,
  • Attends council meetings,
  • Directs day-to-day operations, except the Police and Legal Departments,
  • Makes recommendations and offer alternative solutions to the Mayor and City Council
  • Informs and advises the Mayor and City Council on current issues and future needs of the city,
  • Responsible for the hiring of personnel and supervision of all city employees,
  • Coordinates the enforcement and implementation of Mayor and City Council directives, ordinances, and policies,
  • Supervises collection and disbursement of funds,
  • Supervises maintenance and construction of public works,
  • Supervises the purchase of supplies and equipment,
  • Coordinates the operation and activities with GCDC,
  • Plans future development for population growth and expansion of public services,
  • Recommends zoning regulation location and development of residential and commercial areas,
  • Responds to comments and questions from citizens, employees, and other municipalities, and
  • Researches the most effective approach for handling an issue.

The City of Jefferson has 7 separately functioning departments with a total of approximately 35 full-time and permanent part-time employees. Also, there are nearly 40 additional seasonal full-time and part-time employees. See the Organizational Chart.

Other contact information:

City Clerk Roxanne Gorsuch can be reached at
roxanneg@cityofjeffersoniowa.org

Check the FAQ for more information