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Title 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

Chapter 2.08 — CITY MANAGER

Orinda Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Orinda

2.08.010 - Creation and appointment to position.

The position of the City Manager of the City of Orinda is created. The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. (Prior code § 2-201)

2.08.020 - Qualifications.

The City Manager shall be appointed on the basis of his or her administrative and executive ability and qualifications. (Prior code § 2-202)

2.08.030 - Residence in city not required.

The person appointed need not be a resident of the city. (Prior code § 2-203)

2.08.040 - Bond.

If not covered by a blanket bond for city employees, the City Manager shall furnish a corporate surety bond to be approved by the City Council in such sum as may be determined by the City Council. The bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the duties imposed upon the City Manager. The premium for the bond is a proper charge against the city. (Prior code § 2-204)

2.08.050 - Acting City Manager.

The City Manager shall recommend for Council approval one of the officers or department heads of the city to serve as acting City Manager during a temporary absence or disability of the City Manager. In case of the absence or disability of the City Manager and failure to choose an acting City Manager, the City Council may designate a qualified city employee to perform the duties of the City Manager during the period of absence or disability of the City Manager. (Prior code § 2-205)

2.08.060 - Compensation.

The City Manager is entitled to compensation as the City Council from time to time determines. In addition, the City Manager is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties with approval of the Council. (Prior code § 2-206)

2.08.070 - Powers and duties.

The City Manager is the administrative head of the government of the city under the direction and control of the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for the efficient administration of the affairs of the city. In addition to general powers as administrative head, the City Manager shall: A. Service to and Direction of City Council: Respond promptly to all requests by the City Council for information and advice and see that Council instructions, orders and decisions are carried out promptly; B. City Clerk: Perform the duties of City Clerk and such other responsibilities which may be assigned by the City Council or appoint a City Clerk with the authority to perform those duties; C.

City Treasurer: Perform the duties of City Treasurer or appoint a City Treasurer with the duty to perform these duties, as included in a job classification approved by the City Council; D. Appointment and Removal: Pursuant to Government Code Section 34856, appoint and remove each officer and department head including the City Clerk and City Treasurer and excluding the City Attorney. The City Manager shall either appoint, remove, promote or demote all other city employees or approve their appointment, removal, promotion or demotion subject to personnel rules and regulations which may be adopted by the Council; E. Authority Over Employees: Control, order and give directions to each head of department and to each subordinate officer and employee of the city under the City Manager's jurisdiction. In this connection he or she shall act through the department head whenever feasible; F. Budget: Prepare and submit the proposed annual budget and the proposed annual salary plan to the City Council and, upon approval of the City Council, administer the budget and salary plan; G. Expenditure Control and Purchasing: See that no expenditures are submitted or recommended to the City Council except on approval of the City Manager, or authorized representative. The City Manager shall be responsible for the purchase of equipment and supplies for each department or division of the City subject to Chapter 2.55 Purchasing and Contracts of the Municipal Code. H. Contracts: Negotiate each contract for services for which the city has a service responsibility to its residents and desires to provide such service by contract. The City Manager may approve and execute contracts for general services on behalf of the city as authorized in Chapter 2.55 of the Orinda Municipal Code. It is the duty of the City Manager to execute and administer all contracts and determine that their provisions are carried out. The City Manager shall report to the Council at such times as the Council may direct on the performance of approved contracts; I. Financial Reports: Keep the City Council at all times fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the city; J. Policies: Recommend to the City Council such policies which, in the judgment of the City Manager, are worthy of consideration by the City Council; K.

Administrative Reorganization: Conduct studies and effect such administrative reorganization of services, offices, positions or units under the City Manager's direction as may be indicated in the interest of efficient, effective and economical conduct of the city's business; L. Investigations and Complaints: Investigate the affairs of the city and each department for the proper performance of obligations of the city and investigate all complaints in relation to matters concerning the administration of the city government and in regard to the service maintained by utility operations; M. Law Enforcement: See that the laws and ordinances of the city and franchises, contracts, permits and privileges granted by the City Council are faithfully observed; N. Public Property: Exercise general supervision over public property which is under the control and jurisdiction of the City Council; O. Attendance at Council Meetings: Attend all meetings of the City Council unless excused by the Mayor or the City Council; P. Additional Duties: Perform such other duties as may be delegated from time to time by the City Council. (Ord. 08-03 § 1; Ord. 01-04 § 1; prior code § 2-207; Ord. No. 21-3, § 1, 2-16-21)

2.08.080 - Internal relations.

A. Council-Manager Relations. The City Council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the city through the City Manager, except for the purpose of inquiry. B. Department Cooperation. It is the duty of each subordinate officer to assist the City Manager in administering the affairs of the city efficiently, economically and harmoniously. C. Attendance at Commission Meetings. The City Manager may attend meetings of the Planning Commission and any other commission, board or committee created by the City Council. At the meeting, the City Manager may be heard as to matters the City Manager wishes to address the members and shall inform the members as to the status of any matter being considered by the City Council. The City Manager shall

cooperate to the fullest extent with the members of each commission, board and committee appointed by the City Council. (Prior code § 2-208)

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