Albany Municipal Code § 2-3 Administrative Officer (city Manager)

[Ord. #58-043, 1958 Code § 2.60; amended 9-6-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-04; 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-06]

The City Manager shall be appointed by the City Council and serve at and during the pleasure of the Council; provided, however, the City Manager shall not be removed from office during or within a period of ninety (90) days next succeeding any general municipal election in the City at which election a member of the Council is elected, except by a unanimous vote of the members of the Council. Such person shall be chosen on the basis of their executive and administrative qualifications.

The purpose of this provision is to permit any newly elected member of the Council to observe the actions and ability of the City Manager in the performance of the powers and duties of the office.

[Ord. #58-043, 1958 Code § 2.61; Ord. #85-03; amended 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-06]

The City Manager shall have the following duties:

a. Subject to the provisions of the Charter, to appoint, suspend, discipline, and dismiss all officers, department heads and employees. A department head disciplined by the City Manager may appeal the action to the City Council, which appeal procedure shall be in accordance with and pursuant to the Personnel Rules and Regulations.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: Copies of the Personnel Rules and Regulations are on file in the office of the City Clerk. For adoption of the Personnel Rules and Regulations manual, see § 3-2 of this Code.

b. To supervise the administrative affairs of the City, and as directed by the City Council.

c. To make such recommendations to the Council concerning the affairs of the City, including the proposal of ordinances and resolutions as the City Manager finds necessary for effective management or in the public interest.

d. To keep the Council advised of the financial condition of the City, and future needs of the City, and make and supply such financial reports to effectuate the purpose of this subsection.

e. To see that the ordinances of the City and the applicable laws of the State are enforced.

f. To direct the purchasing activities for the City and all of its agencies.

g. To oversee the operations of departments and other agencies of the City, and of all contracts to which the City is a party, and to assure proper performances.

h. To see that all permits, privileges and franchises granted by the City are faithfully performed.

i. When directed by the City Council, to represent the City in its inter governmental relations, and to negotiate contracts for joint-governmental actions, subject to Council approval.

j. To exercise general supervision over all public property under control of the City.

k. To attend all meetings of the City Council unless excused, and such meetings of boards and commissions as the City Manager chooses or which the City Manager is directed to attend by the Council, and to participate in discussion at such meetings.

l. To recommend such general rules and regulations as the City Manager may deem necessary or expedient in the general conduct of the administrative departments under their supervisorial authority.

m. To devote full time to the duties of the office and to the interests of the City.

n. When directed by the City Council, to act as the City's representative and negotiator in the meet and confer process with the employee-recognized bargaining units in accordance with the ordinances of the City pursuant to the Milias-Meyers-Brown Act. It is the intention of this subsection that the City Council may direct the City Manager to act as the City's sole representative and negotiator or to act with other persons, who may be directed or retained by the City to perform similar or identical functions.

o. To coordinate with all departments information for the annual budget, prepare same for submission to the Council.

p. To maintain continuing review of classification of all employees, oversee and report on the affirmative action program, recommend any organizational structure or restructure, conduct staff interviews, preside at department head meetings, and establish administrative procedures where necessary.

[Ord. #58-043, 1958 Code § 2.62]

Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the power or authority of the City Council to enter into any supplemental agreement with the Administrative Officer or delineating additional terms and conditions of employment not inconsistent with any provisions of this section.

[Ord. #58-043, 1958 Code § 2.63]

The Administrative Officer shall have the administrative and fiscal supervisorial authority as prescribed by the City Council over all departments and agencies of the City, other than those assigned to the office or department by law. The heads of the administrative departments under the Administrative Officer shall report to the Administrative Officer for the efficient administration of their respective departments, and the Administrative Officer may designate acting department heads when necessary to assure continuity of the City's business.

[Ord. #58-043, 1958 Code § 2.64; amended 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-06]

The City Council shall designate one of the other officers of the City to serve as Interim City Manager, during any absence or disability of the City Manager.