Appendix 20

General Management

In most cases, local government personnel who provide local government programs report through a hierarchy to an appointed chief executive, the local government manager. These professionals implement policies adopted by the governing body, oversee the day-to-day operations of the local government, and provide support in the areas of purchasing, budgeting, human resource management, and payroll.

The budget process in local government is a year-round function involving preparation, approval, and implementation. The appointed local government manager proposes the budget and after a series of workshops and public hearings by the governing body, the annual financial plan for a community is adopted by the governing body and implemented by the paid professionals.