Government Officials

City of Auburn Mayor Duties

The Mayor is the elected leader of the City. The City of Auburn is governed by the Mayor/Council form of government. The Mayor is the executive branch of the City and serves as the full-time chief administrative officer, who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the City, including:

• Exercises the executive power of the municipality
• Enforces Charters and Ordinances of the City
• Supervises all municipal departments
• Fixes salaries and wages of Administrative department employees
• Supervises care and custody of City property
• Appoints and removes department heads subject to Council approval
• Performs Fiscal functions
• Oversees municipal budget process
• Reviews and analyzes municipal services, programs and finances
• Prepares City operating and capital budgets
• Keeps the City Council and community informed about the business and financial condition of the City
• Approves and signs all contracts, bonds or other instruments requiring the consent of the municipality
• Negotiate contracts for the municipality, subject to council approval
• Conducts an annual independent audit of the City's finances
• Executes Legislative duties

As an elected official, the Mayor is the chief presiding officer at all Council meetings who has the power of (1) making policy recommendations to the Council; and (2) approving or vetoing ordinances passed by the Council. In addition, the Mayor:

• Proposes legislation
• Develops vision and focuses on community growth and prosperity
• Represents the City with other governments and agencies
• Appoints volunteers to serve on the City Boards and Commissions
• Official functions
• Gives the annual State of the City address
• Attends community and neighborhood meetings
• Serves as the ambassador for the City both at home and abroad

Auburn City Council Duties

The City Council is the seven-member legislative body for the City of Auburn. They are elected to serve at-large to represent the citizens of Auburn and are elected to serve four-year terms. Under the Mayor/Council form of government, Auburn has a directly elected Mayor to administer the municipal government and a City Council to carry out the legislative function.

One of Council's main duties is the enactment of the City's annual budget. Council sets fiscal policies and approves all spending, whether for operations (e.g., salaries) or capital items, e.g., major equipment purchases, street repairs, or other public improvements.

The regulation of land use, including the creation and amendment of zoning laws, is another significant Council responsibility.

While most of the proposed laws which come before Council are referred by the Administration, Council may also initiate legislation itself. Council members will often propose new programs at the suggestion of City residents.

Council members also respond annually to thousands of constituent requests, filling a crucial oversight role in the delivery of basic City services to the public.

In addition to these duties, the Council makes decisions regarding the following:

• Approving City real estate transactions
• Issuing municipal bonds
• Approving fees and charges, such as utility fees, recreation and cultural arts
• Adopting State & Federal legislation
• Confirming City department heads and volunteer members of City Boards and commissions
• Conducting an annual independent audit of the City's finances
• Councilmembers represent the City at county, regional, state and federal committees, forums and task forces as assigned

CONTACT

Auburn City Hall
25 W Main Street
Auburn WA 98001-4998
Phone: 253-931-3000

Related

Directions to City Hall
Governmental Links
City Code

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