The Mayor's Duties
- The County Executive, called the Mayor, is elected at large and for a four-year term in partisan elections.
- The Mayor cannot occupy other elective public offices and is subject to all requirements and limitations applicable under state law and County ordinance.
- The Mayor has no supervisory authority over the other 17 elected officials of the County.
- The Mayor may appoint necessary merit exempt staff, as provided by law.
- The Mayor may appoint a Chief Deputy to act in the Mayor´s stead during his or her absence or disability; the Deputy must be a County resident and be either a Department Director or Chief of Staff.
The Mayor´s authority includes:
- The direction and management of executive branch departments, including Public Works, Human Services, and Community and Support Services, but not including the executive activities of the independent elected officials.
- Carrying out and enforcing the programs and policies established by the Council.
- Enforcing the regulations, policies, and procedures of the County.
- Faithfully executing the laws and ordinances of the County.
- Assigning employees and work in the executive branch.
- Appointing persons to serve on commissions and boards, with advice and consent.
- Controlling County assets, funds, and property; preparing and presenting a budget to the Council.
- Reviewing County books, accounts, and funds necessary to the executive function.
- Negotiating and executing contracts.
- Considering and adopting long-range planning.
- Acting as intergovernmental relations liaison, exercising power of veto and line item veto, and attending and participating in Council meetings.