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City Manager's Message

As City Manager of the City of Porterville, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our City's web site. We are in the midst of what is one of the most challenging economic times in California's history. We are proud to say that among the City Council's priorities, is a commitment to maintain current employee levels and continue with the many City projects currently in progress. That commitment to meet those challenges is not only motivating us through these difficult times, but also providing our city with many opportunities to take advantage of those challenges and propel us into a better future for our community.

Government

Under the California State Constitution, there is a difference in powers granted to cities. A "General Law City" is one, which operates exclusively under State law. The City Charter, in accordance with the State Constitution, provides the City with authority for "Home Rule" whereby the City is given the power to make and enforce within its own boundaries any law, which does not conflict with the State or Federal Government. The State Constitution gives this right of "Home Rule" to any city.

Porterville has operated as a Charter City since 1926, but the Charter has been changed by the voters several times since then. Porterville is governed as a charter city, and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Council-Manager form is a system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. Other appointed officers are the City Attorney and City Clerk

Operating with an annual budget of 88 million dollars, employing over 310 people, and serving approximately 62,345 citizens, the City of Porterville is a major business. The stockholders in this business are the citizens of Porterville, who in return for their tax investment, receive dividends in the form of municipal services.

City Manager's Duties

The City Manager serves as Chief Executive Officer of the City. She serves as an advisor to the City Council on policy items impacting the community and the City organization. The City Manager appoints the City's department heads and is responsible for ensuring that city services are performed to the highest standard in accordance with Council policies. The City Manager is responsible for the submission of the City's budget and implementation in support of City Council goals. As the administrative head of the City, the City Manager is appointed by the City Council to enforce municipal law, direct the daily activities and operations of the City, and prepare and implement the City Budget.

Duties include:

  • Communicate with elected officials as they develop policies
  • Ensure that all laws and policies are equitably enforced throughout the community
  • Obtain input from City residents and members of the business community to address and solve problems
  • Prepare the annual Budget, submit it to the City Council for approval, and implement the adopted Budget
  • Investigate citizen complaints and problems and recommend changes
  • Undertake special studies, research and projects to manage and complete City Council directives.

Phone: (559) 782-7466   Fax: (559) 782-7452   Email: mgr-office@ci.porterville.ca.us
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