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City Government in Mediapolis
Mediapolis uses the mayor-council form of city government, the only form available until 1907. It is still the most common
form and is used today in more than 97% of Iowa cities, particularly in those with a population of less than 5,000 people. A
popularly elected mayor and a five-member council generally govern mayor-council cities, although variations are possible in
the number of council members. There are five council members in Mediapolis. Elections are held every two years and those
elected serve a four-year term. In order to keep some continuity; the mayor and two members are elected at the same time and
in the following election, the other three council members. Generally speaking the council has only policy-making powers and
the mayor has administrative or executive powers.
Laws that govern the citizens of Mediapolis come from the state and federal government as well as from the Mediapolis City
Code. Iowa cities have what is known as Home Rule Power. This means that the city has all powers to act and make laws except
those denied them by the Constitution and general statutes. Cities have broad powers to (1) enter into contracts, (2) employ
persons, (3) acquire, manage and dispose of property, and (4) regulate persons. Mediapolis passes ordinances and resolutions
in order to do so.
An ordinance is a city law of a general and permanent nature. In order to become effective after passage by a roll call vote
of the council, ordinances must be published in the newspaper and will eventually become a part of the Mediapolis Municipal
Code. Ordinances can cover a wide variety of topics ranging from defining the powers and duties of administrative officers
of the city to designating stop sign intersections.
A resolution is a council statement of policy or a council order for action to be taken. Resolutions require a roll call
vote as well but do not need to be published in the newspaper. They do not become a part of the city code but are kept in a
separate book called the Book of Resolutions. Resolutions typically cover a wide variety of topics ranging from the awarding
of construction contract bids to the adoption of wages for city employees.
In order to pass an ordinance, three readings must be made at three separate meetings. In special cases, the council may
suspend the “three meeting” requirement by a recorded vote of not less than three-fourths of the council members.
Resolutions may be passed and adopted after only one reading.
Duties and responsibilities of city councils in Iowa
City councils adopt measures. They pass ordinances, resolutions, amendments and motions.
City councils establish city policy. They…
Adopt government goals and objectives
Establish priorities for public services
Approve programs
Approve/amend the operating budget
Approve expenditures and payments
Approve grant applications
Approve contracts
Approve land use plans and zoning changes
City councils oversee the administration of city government. They…
Monitor the city budget
Approve the appointments made by the mayor
Provide direction to the city staff
Hire, evaluate and provide direction to the city attorney
Have the power to evaluate, hire and fire all city employees
Evaluate city programs in general
City councils provide community leadership. They…
Pass along citizen concerns and desires
Arbitrate conflicting interests
Make community decisions by systematically studying problems, reviewing alternatives and choosing courses of action. |
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