Art L. Miner

Message from the Mayor:

What is a City Council Member?

Watauga City Council is comprised of 8 members (including the Mayor). For this conversation, we will refer to the Council as Places 1 thru 7.
City Council places are "at large," meaning they are elected to represent the entire city and not a subset as in some larger cities. The citizens of Watauga elect council members under the general provisions of article IV of the City Charter.

Section 3.01 outlines the terms of office with places 1, 2, 6, and 7 expiring in May of even-numbered years and places 3,4,5 and the Mayor expiring in May of odd-numbered years. Section 3.02 of the City Charter outlines the qualifications for that position, with section 3.05 discussing vacancies, forfeiture of office, and filling of vacancies. The council also has its own "Council Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct Manual to abide by.

One of the most important powers is adopting the city's annual budget. The budget is a very extensive and exhaustive process for staff and council. Presented by the City Manager, it is the result of a yearlong process starting with budget retreats, workshops, and public hearings (all open to the public) and culminating in an approved "balanced" budget for the city. Section 9.02 gives more detail on the entire process.

Some of the other more important duties are to authorize the issuance of bonds; fix the salaries and compensation of employees; litigate, defend, compromise, and settle claims and lawsuits; set fees for city services; adopt and modify zoning plans; approve/disapprove all appointments to boards and commissions recommended by the Mayor. Section 3.07 outlines all the duties and responsibilities of the council and is quite extensive. Arguably, every council member's most important individual responsibility is to attend every meeting and be prepared. Depending on the agenda item, that preparation may require many hours of research and investigation on the council's part. Ultimately, they need to be prepared to conduct the necessary business of the city most efficiently and professionally as possible. Not always an easy task.

Individually the council members have very little power. Their power is as a group. For example, having an item placed on the agenda or a workshop requires a second from another council member, and any direction to the City Manager must come from the council as a whole. Interaction with staff is a must; however, by charter, neither council nor the Mayor has the authority to direct staff or interfere with operational issues.

Although this is just the tip of the iceberg, you can see it is quite the responsibility requiring many hours and personal sacrifice for an unpaid position. The City of Watauga is blessed and lucky to have such dedicated and professional men and women representing the city and its citizens.

Don't forget these important (to somebody) dates:
February 4th - Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
February 9th - Read in the Bathtub Day
February 16th - Do a Grouch a Favor Day
February 22nd - Inconvenience Yourself Day
February 25th - Rubber Ducky Day
And, of course, DO NOT forget Valentine's Day. Remember that special person in your life.
Family, Friends, and Neighbors it's what make Watauga "A Great Place to Live."