Form of Government
Mayor
Description:
Full-time, salaried (set by City Council). Elected to 4-year term, no limit on number of terms. Must be
a registered voter, live in the city limits, must be at least 18 years old or older and have no felony
convictions.
Function:
- Chief executive of the city - sees that the wheels of government keep turning, laws are enforced, and
taxpayers get full value for their taxes.
- While not a legislator, the mayor has a great deal of influence in seeing the passage of legislation. The
Mayor presides over council meetings. The mayor votes if a vote is needed to pass any ordinance, resolution or
motion. The Mayor has veto power.
- Delivers annual "State of the City" address.
- Prepares and administers municipal budget.
- Recommends appointments to commissions and boards confirmed by the city council.
- Hires and/or fires department heads.
- Performs marriages.
- Signs all city documents.
- Lobbies on behalf of the city to support or help defeat federal or state legislation affecting cities.
- Promotes economic development of the private sector.
City Council
Description:
Elected at-large, but representing wards. Two members from each ward. Members must live in the ward they represent,
otherwise same qualifications as mayor. Part-time. Two regularly scheduled council meetings per month; receives
$425.92 per month.
Function:
Enacts laws (ordinances) for the health, safety and welfare of the city not in conflict with the United States or
state constitution.
City Clerk
Description:
Elected to 4-year terms. Part-time, $506.29 per month. Same qualifications as Mayor.
Function:
Custodian of all city records and ordinances. Takes minutes of city council meetings.
City Attorney
Description:
Elected to 4-year terms. Part-time salaried position that is set by the city council. Must be a licensed attorney,
otherwise same qualifications as mayor.
Function:
City legal officer.
Municipal Judge:
Description:
Elected to 4-year terms; part-time salaried position that is set by the city council. Must have been a practicing
attorney for six years, otherwise same qualifications as mayor.
Department Heads:
All are hired employees possessing particular qualifications for each job. Full-time and salaried.
- Director of Finance and Administration
- Police Chief
- Fire Chief
- City Street Engineer
- Water Utilities Manager
- Parks Director
- Library Director
- Wastewater Manager
- Electric Utility Manager
- Chief Building Inspector
- Planning Director
- Public Works Director
- Staff Attorney
City Departments
- Administration
- Inventory
- Utilities
- Police
- Fire/Ambulance
- Street
- Water
- Sewer
- Wastewater
- Parks and Recreation
- Cemetery
- Library
- Electric
- Building Inspection
- Planning/Code Enforcement
- City Attorney
- Municipal Court
- Airport
- Public Works
Boards and Commissions of the City
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (5-year term)
- Firemen's Pension Board (2-year term)
- Library Advisory Board (6-year term)
- Planning Commission (5-year term)
- Airport Commission (5-year term)
- Health Insurance Trust Board (4-year term)
- Board of Adjustment (5-year term)
- Bentonville Facility Board (4-year term)
- Bentonville Housing Authority (1-year term)
|