City of Plantation Strong Mayor Government Presentation to the Governance Subcommittee of the Broward County Charter Review Commission May 3, 2017
What is a Strong Mayor? Mayor is the Chief Executive, and the Council is the legislative body Comparable to CEO of a corporation Administrative organizational chart Residents Mayor & Councilmembers (5) CAO Executive Aide to the Mayor Risk Manager Admin Analyst Exec. Office Asst Office Asst P/T Risk Mgmt Specialist
City organization Mayor TEAM PLANTATION Fourteen highly skilled department directors and their staffs CAO Administration Building City Clerk Engineering Fire Dept. Historical Museum Human Resources Information Tech Library Parks & Rec Planning & Zoning Police Dept. Public Works Utilities
Strong Mayor vs. City Manager Characteristics Strong Mayor City Manager Mayor is elected by the citizens, can be Council appoints a City Manager. recalled, and thus serves at the pleasure of Manager reports to the City Council, and the City s residents. serves at the pleasure of a majority of the Mayor s election is separate from election members of the City Council. of Councilmembers. Mayor becomes ceremonial, and is Mayor has Veto power over City Council chosen from among Council on a rotating (which may be overturned by Council basis. supermajority vote), and may vote on measures in case of tie.
Strong Mayor vs. City Manager Residency Strong Mayor City Manager Mayor must be resident of the City of City Manager is not required to live in the City Plantation Must be resident Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County.
Strong Mayor vs. City Manager Budget impact Strong Mayor The Mayor has an assistant executive, usually called a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). In Plantation, compensation for Mayor is as follows: Mayor salary = $117,000 Auto allowance No pension No annual leave/sick leave City Manager Typically has an Assistant or Deputy City Manager. City Manager s salary can range from $146,000 (Lauderdale Lakes) to $275,000 (Pembroke Pines) plus benefits.* Most cities or towns also have 1-2 Assistant or Deputy City Managers with salaries ranging from $147,000 (Pompano Beach) to $183,000 (Lauderhill) plus benefits.* City typically has some obligation to pay severance or buy-out if the City Manager is terminated for cause or without cause. This may include benefits and accrued sick/vacation time. This must be budgeted for annually. *Based on Broward County survey
Referendum wording Should the Charter be amended to change the City s form of government from Strong Mayor (where the Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer, is elected by a majority of voting residents, and thus serves at the pleasure of the City s residents) to that of a Manager-Council (where the Manager is the Chief Executive Officer, is not elected, and serves at the pleasure of a majority of the Members of the City Council). (Ord 2503, May 14, 2014)
Election outcome YES 27.643% 7,651 NO 63.961% 17,703
Strong Mayor authorization level Three appointments: City Attorney, City Clerk and Chief of Police Submits Director names for approval by City Council Procurement approvals: $25,000 and below
Strong Mayor responsibilities Oversees daily operations, including: Proposes City budget Legislative issues Collective bargaining Economic Development Franchise agreements Community events Ad Valorem Bond Attend HOA meetings Revenue bonds Resident/community issues Ordinances, resolutions Interlocal agreements
Strong Mayor voting power Does not vote on any resolution or ordinance. Exceptions: Absence of one Councilmember and a tie vote results among the remaining four (4) Councilmembers. Veto power on any ordinance or resolution. In the case of a veto, such ordinance or resolution shall not become effective until passed by four-fifths vote.
Strong Mayor / Elected Official Non-Partisan Campaign every 4 years No term limits for elective officials in Plantation Sunshine Law Adhere to ethics regulations Salary Car Allowance No Pension No Annual Leave No Sick Leave
Strong Mayor / Elected Official As both a Strong Mayor and Elected Official, you re taking on dual roles. Decisions based on what is right for Plantation not what is right for my next election. Public service should be the priority. Politics/permanent employment are not and should not be.
Why a Strong Mayor works for Plantation Stability only 3 Mayors since 1974 History with the community Commitment to tradition Administrative skills Resident support Unique structure is supported by the voters Volunteer Fire Department PAL (all volunteer/parent run athletic organization) Blue bags 911 system Employee dedication to the position