True or False: In the council-manager form of government, councils are permitted to direct employees under the supervision of the city manager.
Answer: False.
In the council-manager form of government, as described in SC Code Title 5, Chapter 13, the manager serves as the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of the municipal government. As such, the manager is responsible to the council for the proper administration of all affairs of the municipality. The mayor and council set policy and employ the city manager.
The mayor and councilmembers are forbidden by law from dealing with employees or interfering with the operation of the departments, offices and agencies under the direction of the manager. For example, council may not have direct involvement in the hiring or firing of the employees under the manager or directly dealing with or giving orders to those employees.
The Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government offers online courses. In-person classes will resume when COVID-19 activity drops to safe levels. To register for the online courses, participants should go to the Municipal Association’s website.