Government
Council - Manager Form of Government
The citizens of Ridgefield adopted the council-manager plan in 1999. Under this form of government the elected officials are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for the city and then appoint a city manager to carry out public policy and ensure that all residents are being well served. The council-manager form of local government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials (in the form of a council, board, or other governing body) with the strong professional experience of an appointed local government manager.
Under the council-manager form, the city manager serves the City Council as chief executive officer of the City and has responsibility for preparing the budget, directing day-to-day operations, hiring and firing personnel, and serving as the council's chief policy advisor.
The city manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, the city manager targets all of the community's resources to solve current issues.