Form of Government

Council/Manager Form

Rowlett voters approved a home rule charter in 1979 establishing a Council/Manager form of government. Under this form, the Mayor and City Council establish policy and law, and the City Manager handles the day-to-day management of the City organization.

This system combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council with the managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. A representative system is established in which all power is concentrated in the elected City Council, and the Council then hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.

City Manager's Role

The City Manager is the CEO of city government. Appointed directly by the City Council, the City Manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the City. The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policy direction of the City Council in an efficient, effective, responsive and responsible manner.

Responsibilities

The City Manager is responsible for:

  • Managing all City operations and services
  • Submitting the annual budget to the City Council for review, modification and approval
  • Advising the City Council on matters affecting the City
  • Appointing and removing City personnel

For more information on Rowlett's Form of Government, you may contact Susan Nix in the City Manager's Office via email or at 972-463-3927.