Dixon residents are getting a say in changing the city's form of government. A recent public meeting was an opportunity to identify support between a commission form with a city administrator, versus a city manager style. A recommendation panel will meet later this week.
Sauk Valley Media: Crowd Forms To Voice Views In Dixon
According to the city's website, the City of Dixon adopted the Commission form of government in 1911. The City has continued to operate under this form since then although an unsuccessful attempt was made to abandon it at an election in 1918.
In the city-manager form of government, the council sets the city's goals, and a city manager executes daily operations.
KWQC: Dixon Residents Weigh In On Potential Government Changes
The city could keep the commission form of government and add a city administrator. A job description for a city administrator is posted on the city's website. The city administrator would execute city ordinances, polices, and programs through "direct supervision of department heads and indirect supervision of all city employees."
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According to the Illinois City/County Management Association, there are five statutory forms of municipal government in Illinois, including the Commission form.
The ILCMA says if a county or municipality desires professional management but does not want to adopt a managerial form of government, the governing body can adopt a local ordinance that provides for professional administration of the organization. The Administrator Form is not a statutory form. A municipality or county may hire a professional manager by passing a local ordinance to create and define the powers and duties of the position.
WREX: Dixon Residents Want To Be Part Of Changing City Government
Here is Dixon Mayor Jim Burke's review of the commission form of government, from a July 3 Task Force Meeting:
Pro:
- The Council is more involved in policy making and management
- The Council facilitates decision-making with small body
- The citizens know their elected officials
- Mayor and Commissioners are more approachable
- Fast action time/reaction time among a smaller council
- The Council is closer to employees on a daily basis
Con:
- Diffuse leadership in regards to decision-making
- Can encourage fiefdom type thinking – my area is the best.
- Can stifle communication
- Commissioners can get involved in micro-managing departments
The discussion to alter Dixon's form of government comes after former Comptroller Rita Crundwell pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $54 million from the city. She is serving sentence of nearly 20 years in a Minnesota federal prison.
In April, the city's engineer resigned following a credit card investigation. Shawn Ortgiesen reportedly used a city-issued credit card to buy personal items. He paid back the expenses along with interest. He also served as Dixon's Director of Public Works.