Columbia was incorporated in 1826 and was originally managed by 5 trustees. This system must have worked well for some time because it was used for 66 years. In 1892 Columbia switched over from trustees to a mayor and council organization. I would assume this was done in response to a growing city that required an updated framework to stay competitive, relevant, and efficient. This government organization stayed in place for 57 years until it was modified once more to what it is today. In 1949 Columbia added the city manager to the mayor/council structure to act as a liaison between the council and the city staff.
We have had the same government structure now for 60 years. I find it hard to believe that everything that applied in 1949 applies to today. I also find it very difficult to believe that in 1949 they knew what we would need 60 years later. According to our history and the numbers I believe we are overdue for a change. Our city has outgrown our cute little council and it is time for our government to mature. Watching the council meeting last week I was frightened. Several times throughout the meeting the mayor and other council members could be heard saying “so what are we supposed to do” or “what do you need us to do” in regards to making motions, responding to the city, or simply running the meeting. The council is supposed to “be in charge” so when city staff introduces a recommendation or possible change to the way things operate why is the council subordinating to them? Some of the P+Z members have even gone as far to say they believe some members of the city staff are in developers pockets and they don’t trust them. I am not saying that any of this is necessarily true, but it does give you cause to stop and ponder. I’m not sure what the best changes to make would be but I do believe a change is overdue.
What are your thoughts and opinions on the issue?
Categories: City Politics, Local Issues, Politics.
What we need is a Paid Mayor/Paid City Controller form of Government with a City Council that gets a “tiny salary” and do away with this City Manager form of Government we now have. The City Manager has far too much control and there really is no form of checks and balances at all.
I agree we lack a sense of checks and balances. I’ve also heard council members spend on average 40 hours a week doing council business. This is the equivalent to a full time job. I believe they deserve compensation.