General Information
Alexander
City's governing body is the city council - a six member group of representatives
who make decisions on behalf of the local residents. Whether working
to maintain the Charles E. Bailey Sr. Sportplex or dealing with improving
city streets, Alexander City's city council takes a hands-on approach.
Alexander City uses a mayor-council form of government, and all officials with lawmaking powers are elected to office by city residents. The council meets the first and third Monday of the month immediately following the pre-council meeting that begins at 5:30 pm in the courtroom in the Criminal Justice Building.
The
council is composed of representatives of six districts in the city.
The city council determines the budget, often derived from a recommendation
from the mayor.
During
its regular meetings, the council also makes decisions regarding the
city's many departments; utilities, which includes light, water, sewer
and gas; personnel; water and waste water treatment facilities; police
and fire departments; parks and recreation; and several others.
The
mayor has the authority to sit with the city council at its meetings.
The mayor can make recommendations and introduce issues, but he cannot
vote on the ordinances and resolutions. However, the mayor must sign
them before they can go into effect. If the mayor chooses not to sign
an ordinance or resolution into effect, the council can pass it without
his signature by having a second vote.
The
city clerk may not have voting power, but does have an active role in
city government. The clerk's office is responsible for arranging the
council's agenda for the meetings, determines the rules of order, keeps
records of the meetings and sits in on budget meetings.
Every
four years, Alexander City residents elect a mayor and city council
members.
