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About Paso Robles City Government
The City of El Paso de Robles is a general law city organized, formed, and incorporated under the laws of the State of California on March 11, 1889. It has a Council-Manager general law form of government where the City Council:
- establishes policies, adopts ordinances and approves resolutions;
- makes land use decisions;
- approves agreements and contracts;
- sets water and sewer rates, and
- approves the City’s Budget.
The Council appoints a City Manager, who is the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation. The Manager hires staff, recommends policies to the Council, and is responsible for the administration of all City programs. The Council acts as the board of directors of the municipal corporation and meets in a public forum so that citizens may monitor and participate in the governmental process.
In 2014, the City celebrated its 125th Year Anniversary.
Use the tabs below to learn more about City government.
City Council
The City Council consists of five members elected at-large, on a non-partisan basis. Residents elect the Mayor and four Councilmembers, making each accountable to the entire citizenry. Councilmembers serve four-year overlapping terms. The mayor is directly elected and serves a two-year term. The Mayor and City Councilmembers receive a monthly stipend set by resolution.
The City Manager
The City Manager is the chief executive officer of the City. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to enforce city laws, to direct the operations of city government, to prepare and manage the municipal budget, and to implement the policies and programs initiated by the City Council. The Manager is responsible to the City Council, and directs departments and operations.
The City Attorney
The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council and works under contract to the City. The City Attorney is the legal advisor for the council. He or she provides general legal advice on all aspects of city business and represents the city in legal actions.
The City Clerk
The City Clerk is an appointed official, charged with the responsibility for maintaining records of council actions, permanent records of all city transactions and documents, and coordinating the City’s elections. In addition, the Clerk's office is responsible for responding to Freedom of Information Act requests, and assisting City Officials in meeting Fair Political Practices Commission regulations. The Deputy City Clerk, an appointed staff position, assists the City Clerk in carrying out all duties.
The City Treasurer
The City Treasurer is an elected position responsible for the custody and investment of all city funds.
Boards, Commissions, and Special Committees
Boards, commissions and special committees composed of local citizens are frequently appointed by the City Council to advise the City Council in one or more aspects of city government. Typical advisory committees include parks and recreation, streets and utilities, airport, youth, and senior citizens. In addition to its advisory role, the Planning Commission implements Council development and land use policy.
City Work Force
One of the major investments a city makes is the city’s work force - employees and volunteers who perform the day-to-day functions necessary to provide services to the community.
Administering specific functions of city government and responsible to the City Manager are the directors of Public Works, Community Development, Community Services, Administrative Services, and the Police and Fire Chiefs. Performing those functions are staff and a host of skilled volunteers.
Volunteers
Volunteerism is the backbone of civic responsibility and the City believes volunteers are an integral part of the City’s efforts to maintain a high level of excellence. It is committed to the premise that building strong, supportive relationships between the City and its citizenry leads to municipal progress and personal enrichment. To that end, the City extends numerous and on-going volunteer opportunities to participate in and contribute to city government; develops individuals through efficient training and thoughtful supervision; and deploys volunteers in meaningful and effective ways. By supporting its many volunteer programs, the City strives to encourage personal happiness and fulfillment; to strengthen the quality of the citizenry; to maintain a high level of customer service; and to position itself for the opportunities and challenges of the future.