Oberlin follows the Council-Manager form of government. Under this system of local government, the elected officials are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Oberlin and who hire the City Manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are being equitably served. The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other collaborative relationships, the City Manager works to use all of the community's resources to solve current problems.
The City Manager:
· Works with elected officials as they develop policies. The manager may discuss problems and recommendations, propose new plans, or discuss issues that affect the community and its residents.
· Along with other Council appointees, ensures that laws and policies approved by elected officials are equitably enforced throughout the city.
· Seeks feedback from residents and members of the business community to address and solve problems.
· Prepares the annual budget in conjunction with the Finance Director, submits it to elected officials for approval, and implements it once approved.
· Supervises department heads, administrative personnel, and other employees.
· Solicits bids from contractors and select or recommend the appropriate individual(s) or organization(s) to perform the work.
· Investigates citizen complaints and problems within the administrative organization and recommend changes to elected officials.
· Manages the day-to-day operations of the City.
The City Manager’s primary responsibility is to keep Oberlin running smoothly. To do so, Oberlin’s City Manager works with the other appointed officials (Law Director, Finance Director and City Clerk) and a range of skilled individuals involved in public safety, public works, community and economic development, and many other service areas. You can count on this team to make your community a great place to live, learn and lead!
Don Herrick 1925-1928
This list is courtesy of the Oberlin College Archives.