The City of South Haven operates under the Council/Manager form of local government which is one of four forms of city government in the United States. The present City charter was adopted November 5, 1991. The primary features of the Council/Manager form of government are: (1) reservation of legislative authority and responsibility in an elected Council and (2) centralization of administrative responsibility in a City Manager appointed by the elected City Council. This provides a system which combines democratic principles with efficiency of administration. The Council is the governing body of the City and the Manager is the Chief Executive Officer in carrying out the policies which Council defines.

The City Council

South Haven voters elect six Council members for four-year terms on a staggered-term basis. The Mayor is a member of the City Council and is elected in the same manner as other Council members, but serves only two year terms. Council members run for office in non-partisan elections. South Haven has "ward" elections; that is, City voters have the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice from the ward where they have legal residence. The vote for Mayor is considered an "at large" election, where all City voters have the opportunity to vote.

The Council, as the legislative body, determines all municipal policies which are not set forth in the City Charter or by State legislation, adopts ordinances and resolutions, votes appropriations, approves the budget and determines the tax rate. The Council also appoints interested citizens to serve on various City advisory boards and commissions.

The City Manager

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council on the basis of merit, professional training, experience in city management and demonstrated ability. The Manager does not run for elective office and is not appointed for a fixed term. Rather, the Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council.

The duties of the City Manager, broadly stated, include (1) to assure that all laws and ordinances are enforced; (2) to appoint and remove department heads and employees on the basis of merit; (3) to exercise control and supervision over all departments; (4) to keep the Council advised of the financial condition of the City government; (5) to prepare and submit to the Council such reports which may be deemed advisable or as may be required by the Council; and (6) to keep the public informed, through reports to Council, regarding operations of the City government.

Administrative Staff

Appointed by the City Manager to assist in the administration of the City is a staff of professionals with experience and expertise in the various functional areas of municipal operations. A table is shown below to highlight the various administrative departments.

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