Council-Manager form of government

In the Council-Manager form of government, the council is the governing body of the city elected by the public, and the city manager is hired by council to carry out the policies it establishes. In Brunswick, the council consists of seven members. The Vice Mayor/President of Council is selected by the council 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 nonpartisan.

The council provides legislative direction while the manager is responsible for day-to-day administrative operation of the city based on the council’s recommendations. The council as a collegial body is responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. The 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 hiring and firing personnel. The mayor is recognized as the ceremonial head of the municipality, and presides at regularly scheduled council meetings.