MADISON — Madison residents came with questions and got answers on a possible change in city government.
It was the first of several public information meetings as the city considers a potential transition to a city council-manager form of government for Alabama’s ninth-largest city.
The meeting, moderated by City Councilwoman Ranae Bartlett, included Madison Forward Co-Chair Jim Ross, and City Managers Sam Gaston of Mountain Brook and Jeff Downes of Vestavia Hills.
Speaking to 256 Today before Wednesday’s event at City Hall, Ross said the meeting was about public information.
“We want to let the residents understand the process and learn more from the city managers here tonight,” he said.
A resident asked why cities such as Huntsville and even New York City with large administrations can operate without a city manager. Citing an IBM study, Gaston said the council-manager form of government is much more efficient.
“They found that in larger cities of more than 200,000 the council-manager format was 12% more efficient than mayor council forms of government. I’d say it’s much more than that,” Gaston said.
Residents unable to attend submitted questions online. Answering a question about accountability, Downes said city mangers are held accountable under a contract.
“The contract while unique for each city should lay out the expectations from the governing body what they expect for the city manager,” he said.
The final question of the night asked who benefits from a city council-manager form of government. Ross said it starts with the citizens of Madison.
“They gain continuity, as you’ve heard tonight running the city like business, their financial interests are protected best under that form of government,” he said. “Our school system benefits, it allows our schools a venue to be involved in the long-range planning and vision with the city. The employees at city hall and all the department heads benefit.
“Because they get a clear chain of command and I think it will be a much more effective way to manage our growth forward.”
“Transitioning to a city council-manager format is citizen driven effort,” said Bartlett, who was appointed by Council President Greg Shaw to lead the next phase.
Bartlett said more meetings are planned, including an upcoming session at noon Thursday at the Madison Public Library to discuss the mayor’s role with the addition of a city manager.
