City Manager

Mission Statement
For more information contact
city manager
Cynthia Northrop MPA, CPM
City Manager
254-559-8287
cnorthrop@breckenridgetx.gov
Lacy B headshot
Lacy Botts
Assistant to the City Manager
(254) 559-8287
lbotts@breckenridgetx.gov

The mission of the City Manager's Office is to build and maintain, through sound management principles and community participation, an effective city government organization.  The City Manager's Office does this by:

  • Ensuring the effective delivery of services to all citizens and businesses
  • Implementing the policies and programs approved by the City Commission in an efficient and effective manner
  • Providing the management direction and support for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all city programs
Council-Manager Form of GovernmentIn the council-manager form of government, the council is the governing body of the city, elected by the public, and the manager is hired by the council to carry out the policies it establishes.  (The City of Breckenridge uses the term Commission instead of Council per the City Charter.) The council usually consists of 5 to 9 members including a mayor (or council president) who is either selected by the council or elected by the people as defined in the city charter.  The size of the council is generally smaller than that of a mayor-council municipality and council elections are usually nonpartisan.

The council provides legislative direction while the manager is responsible for day-to-day administrative operations of the city based on the council's recommendations.  The mayor and council, as a legislative body, are responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. 

Manager ResponsibilitiesThe manager serves as the council's chief advisor.  Managers also serve at the pleasure of the council and are responsible for preparing the budget, directing day-to-day operations, and oversees personnel. 

Typically, the mayor is recognized as the political head of the municipality but is a member of the legislative body and does not have the power to veto legislative actions.

Source: International City/County Management Association
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