City Council Roles & Responsibilities
The Mayor and City Councilors serve as the primary representatives of the City of Molalla. To effectively lead, they must understand their roles, stay informed about their responsibilities, and use the best methods for carrying out their charge.
Among their public duties, the Mayor and Councilors key duties include: providing leadership for constituents, arbitrate conflicting interests, and making informed decisions by reviewing issues/concerns and considering all possible solutions to determine the best course of action. The Mayor and City Councilors establish policy, approve the City’s budget, and guide the City Manager. The Molalla City Council is a representative of Molalla on local, regional, and state boards, councils, and committees.
The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policy decisions of the Mayor and Council. The Molalla City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of City government while the Council issues all priority orders and directives through the City Manager, though on occasion, the Mayor and/or a Councilor may use the less formal process of making a request or suggestion directly to a department director. If the request or suggestion raises any policy or procedural questions, it should be brought to the attention of the City Manager.
Per City of Molalla Charter
City Council
The Council consists of a Mayor and six Councilors nominated and elected from the City at large.
Mayor
The Mayor presides over and facilitates Council meetings, preserves order, enforces Council rules and determines the order of business under Council rules. The Mayor is a voting member of the Council and has no veto authority. The Mayor, with the consent of Council, appoints members of Boards, Commissions and Committees established by Ordinance or Resolution. The Mayor must sign all records of Council decisions. The Mayor serves as the political head of the City government.
Council President
At its first meeting each year, the Council must elect a president from its membership. The president presides in the absence of the Mayor and acts as Mayor when the Mayor is unable to perform duties.
Council Meetings
The council must meet at least once a month at a time and place designated by council rules, and may meet at other times in accordance with the rules. (Resolution No. 2011-10)
City of Molalla Charter: Chapter III: Section 9
Vote Required
The express approval of a majority of a quorum of the council is necessary for any council decision, except when this charter requires approval by a majority of the council. (Resolution No. 2011-10)
City of Molalla Charter: Chapter III: Section 14
Molalla City Council Term Limit
No councilor, including those serving on July 1, 2012, may be elected to a city office, or any combination of such offices, for a period to exceed eight consecutive years.
(Resolution No. 2011-12)
City of Molalla Charter: Chapter III: Section 10
Supporting Documents
City of Molalla Council Orientation Manual/Roles(PDF, 2MB) City of Molalla Charter