How it Works, Why it Matters

The Council/Manager Form of Government

REVIEW HOW YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATES

When Westerville voters head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2, they will elect Westerville City Councilmembers to fill four seats for four-year terms. With these citizen representatives serving as the legislative body, the professional management of the City is executed through a Council-appointed, highly-trained municipal administrator. Oversight and management of day-to-day operations are the responsibilities of this administrator, the City Manager, who serves as the City’s chief executive.

This “Council-Manager’’ form of government helps eliminate party politics to promote a consistent approach to governance, and save public dollars by eliminating waste and enhancing accountability for the delivery of services and programs.

This form of government is part of the City’s legacy. Frustrated by unacceptable services and infrastructure, the Westerville community voted to approve it by a twoto-one margin more than 100 years ago. On January 1, 1916, Westerville became the first (then) village in Ohio to adopt the Council-Manager system. Today, more cities than not across the nation are professionally managed, with nearly all central Ohio suburban communities led by a Council and a City Manager.

As you prepare to cast a vote for future Council members in November, take a minute to learn about the role of Council and the City Manager.

WHAT IS WESTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL?

Members serve at-large, which means they are to represent everyone in the community, not a specific ward or district. There are seven elected members who act as Westerville’s only legislative body; setting policy, establishing goals and approving and overseeing the City’s annual budget. Council votes among themselves to elect officers, who serve as Chair, Vice Chair, Mayor and Vice Mayor. The Mayor and Vice Mayor are ceremonial and represent the City at events, ribbon cuttings and proclamations. Council also hires or appoints City staff members who report directly to Council. These positions include the City Manager, Clerk of Council and Law Director. Council meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays. Meetings air live on WestervilleTV (www.westerville.org/tv) or via the website by selecting “Watch Public Meetings” from the right hand side menu options. Read Council bylaws at www.westerville.org/councilbylaws.

WHO IS THE CITY MANAGER?

In 1915, Westerville was struggling with poor utility service, massive flooding and crumbling infrastructure. This led to the adoption of the form of government which allows for the professional management of these issues.

In the modern era, professionals are trained in public affairs and municipal administration, including city planning, finances, public safety and much more. The City Manager hires and directs staff.

Westerville’s current City Manager, Monica Irelan, was City Manager in Painesville, Ohio for four years. Prior to that, she held city management positions in the cities of Troy, Grosse Pointe Farms in Michigan and the City of Napoleon, Ohio. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Legal Certificate from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master’s in Public Administration degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Westerville has had 16 City Managers. Irelan is the first woman to hold the position.

WANT TO SERVE?

In October, the Clerk of Council’s office will advertise for vacancies on various Westerville Boards and Commissions. If you have an interest in serving, consider applying for one of these positions. You can view a list of existing vacancies on page 27, or you can visit the website in early October for details. Serving on a Board or Commission is considered an informative pathway to City Council service, although not required to run for a Council seat. Visit www.westerville.org/applybc for more information.

FIND MORE AND CONSIDER MORE?

You can find more information on City Council, the City Manager’s Office and each City department at www. westerville.org. Want to take a deeper dive? Consider the Westerville Citizen Academy, returning in April 2022. WCA is an eight-week (each Thursday) course providing a hands-on and interactive approach with all City departments and personnel. Find details to apply at www. westerville.org/wca.