Email the Mayor: mayor [at] walsenburg.org (mayor[at]walsenburg[dot]org)
The Office of City Mayor
The job of a statutory city mayor is to serve as the chief executive and presiding officer of the city council, enforcing city ordinances and supervising officials, all while operating within the specific powers and duties defined by state law. This role differs from that of a "home rule" mayor, as a statutory mayor's authority is derived from state statutes rather than a city-specific charter.
Election of a City Mayor
The Mayor is elected at the regular election (November of odd numbered years) from the City at large for a term of two years. A Mayor is limited to three consecutive two year terms.
Qualifications for Mayor
Candidates for Mayor must be a registered elector who has resided within the City limits for a period of at least twelve consecutive months.
The Role of City Mayor
As the chief executive, the statutory mayor is responsible for the overall welfare and day-to-day administration of the city, often in a "weak mayor-council" system.
- Administering policies: The mayor implements and administers the policies that have been adopted by the city council.
- Maintaining the peace: Mayors are legally considered "conservators of the peace" and possess the authority to suppress disorders and ensure compliance with City Council meetings and City Ordinances.
- Executing official documents: The mayor signs and authenticates all instruments, contracts, and other documents required by state statute or city ordinance.
- Hiring and firing staff: The extent of this power depends on the city's specific government structure. In cities with a City Administrator, the mayor's role is limited to monitoring the administrator who handles the hiring and firing.
- Presiding over council meetings: The mayor leads city council meetings and is a member of the governing body.
- Voting on council matters: The mayor has the same voting power as any other council member. Some cities may adopt an ordinance that restricts the mayor's vote to only breaking tie votes.
- Budgetary oversight: Mayors often examine proposed budgets and make recommendations to the council regarding fiscal matters.
- Policy recommendations: The mayor recommends new measures and policies to the council that they deem necessary for the city's improvement and prosperity.
- Ceremonial head: For ceremonial purposes, the mayor is recognized as the head of the city government.
- Representing the city: The mayor serves as the city's primary representative at meetings with other government bodies, community groups, and the media.
- Interacting with constituents: A key aspect of the job is working with residents to address their comments and complaints.