2009-10 Adopted Budget - City of Hoquiam

CITY OF HOQUIAM2009-2010 BIENNIAL OPERATING BUDGETDepartment Budget NarrativeDepartment: Legislative Department Director: DurneyDepartment Number: 01 Fund: 001Program Description:The Mayor and the City Council constitute the "Legislative Department" of the City of Hoquiam.Twelve Council members are elected, two per ward, to staggered four-year terms. The Mayor isalso elected at large to a four-year term. Under the Mayor-Council form of government adopted bythe City of Hoquiam, the Mayor appoints a City Administrator who, working closely with the Mayor,acts as the City's Chief Operating Officer.Council members are compensated for their services at $230 or $250 per month, depending onwhen they took office. The Mayor is compensated at $815 per month.The primary function and objective of the City Council is to evaluate community sentiment onissues and in the context of applicable community support set priorities for and provide broadpolicy direction to the Mayor and City Administrator.By law, the City Council has broad lawmaking authority. The Council is required to biannuallyadopt a budget, and is required to establish all laws and regulations of the City of Hoquiam,typically referred to as the Hoquiam Municipal Code. As a "code city", a jurisdiction incorporatedunder the State's alternative to standard population based classification, Hoquiam retains "broadhome rule" authority for self governance. This authority, in general, provides the City Council withthe authority to enact laws and regulations that are not in conflict with state or federal law.By comparison, jurisdictions incorporated under other statutory provisions, such as fourth classtowns are provided only with authority to enact laws and regulations as specifically delegated bythe State.Mission:The City of Hoquiam is committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens by diversifying itsindustrial base, increasing sustainable businesses and housing opportunities, while providing safecommunities and opportunities for all.126