Council-Manager Form of Government

In Harrah's council-manager form of government, voters elect the City Council which appoints the City Manager to run the operations of the organization. The City Manager's role includes managing the budget, overseeing personnel, and making recommendations to council.

The Role of City Council

The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body for the City of Harrah and is the final authority on city matters. The council:

• Appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, and members of boards, committees and commissions
• Approves the annual budget
• Authorizes contracts on the City’s behalf
• Enacts ordinances, resolutions and orders
• Establishes general city policies

City Council Composition

The City Council has five members, with four representing specific wards and the Mayor. Terms are staggered, with elections every four years.

Voting and the Ward System

The residency ward system of selecting City Council members provides representation from different areas of the city. The concept means the Council candidate must live in the ward he or she seeks to represent. The candidate is, however, elected by all city voters. Wards do not affect where a resident votes or which candidates a resident can vote for.

• City of Harrah Ward Map