What the Council Does

The mayor and four council members make up Woodbury's elected City Council. The mayor serves a four-year term; the council members serve four-year staggered terms. Local elections take place in November of even-numbered years. The mayor receives a salary of $14,946 per year; council members are paid $11,379.96 per year.

The City Council exercises the following powers and duties:

• Appoints persons to administrative and advisory boards and commissions.
• Approves the hiring of personnel.
• Conducts city inter-governmental affairs.
• Directs enforcement of ordinances, determines the level of service, purchases equipment for city use.
• Guides development in accordance with the comprehensive land use plan.
• Legislates for the city, passes ordinances, sets administrative policy.
• Manages financial operations by levying taxes, approving budgets, auditing expenditures, borrowing money.
• Protects the long-range welfare of the city and its residents.
• Provides community leadership.

As a council member, the mayor's official power is no greater than any other council member, and the office has no veto power. The mayor executes official documents, makes appointments subject to the approval of the council and presides at council meetings. As the official head of the city, the mayor serves as spokesperson for both the government and the community.

In January, each council member is appointed to quarterly assignments as liaisons for the various city boards and commissions. These include the Planning Commission, Parks and Natural Resources Commission, Economic Development Commission, and Audit and Investment Commission.