State law permits the City Council to hire a professional administrator to handle the day-to-day management of the City, much like a board of directors of a private corporation employ a president to operate the corporate business.  The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is appointed for an indefinite term.

The City Manager is charged with managing the affairs of the City under the policies adopted by the City Council and in accord with sound management practices and procedures. 

The City Manager is directed to enforce all laws and ordinances; to recommend to the City Council the organization of the City into departments; to perform the duties of the personnel officer; to recommend the adoption of resolutions and ordinances; to arrange the efficient operation of the City; to attend all meetings of the City Council; to purchase all supplies for the City; to keep the City Council advised at all times of the financial conditions and needs of the City; to make investigations into the affairs of the City; to exercise general supervision of all City property and all City employees, and to perform such other duties as delegated by ordinance or resolution of the City Council.