A city manager and council decide to undertake a study of board and commission operations with the aim of streamlining the system and gaining economies. The city has been in financial trouble due to changes in federal policy and an overall reduction in tax-generated revenues. To make up for this, changes needed to be made. A one-cent sales tax had been adopted but it does not offer any immediate relief from the city's financial difficulties. The study resulted in thirty-five recommendations addressing general policies and operating procedures for all of the city's boards and commissions and duplication and accountability. Many people, including the board members, reacted negatively to the recommendations.
The most controversial recommendations included:

-The Airport Authority, the Art Museum Board, the Library Board, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority remain as administrative boards but that the directors of these boards be appointed by, and responsible to, the city manager. (increasing accountability)

-The city's parks and recreation function become a city department, with the director appointed by the city manager; and that the Board of Park Commissioners be recreated as an advisory rather than an administrative board.

All recommendations focusing on duplication and accountability were not taken well by citizens, interests groups in the community, or from segments of the city hall bureaucracy. Additionally, council members that are worried about getting re-elected did not support some of the recommendations, especially if they affected his or her particular interests. Many citizens came to voice their concerns and did NOT support change in operations.

What should the city manager do and how can he prepare a report that would balance the city's administrative needs against the council's political concerns? Specifically, in relation to the broader questions found in the case, what options are available to City Manager Christian? Be sure to consider the political, fiscal, and professional aspects of the issue as you identify three options. For each option, evaluate its relative strengths and weaknesses.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 The city manager could consult with other city managers who have successfully streamlined their ci... View the full answer