First Steps to Success: New Mayor and Commissioner Orientation

First Steps to Success: New Mayor and Commissioner Orientation

Many cities across the state are preparing for newly elected officials to begin serving on January 1^st.  For cities with the mayor-council form of government, a new mayor means a new head of the executive branch and, thus, a new head of personnel.  Additionally, in the mayor-commission form of government, a new mayor or commissioner also impacts personnel.  City clerks can ease this transition and ensure everyone gets off on the right foot with some simple preparation.  A few important steps include:

1. Have all newly elected officials take the oath of office before January 1^st. 
   • Note, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Louisville Metro Government elected officials are required to complete the oath by the first Monday in January.
2. Get mayors and commissioners, who will handle or have access to public funds bonded before January 1^st. (KRS 62.050 and KRS 65.067)
3. Explain the city form of government and their role (specific job duties) within the form of government.  The KLC City Officials Legal Handbook (Chapter 4) would be very helpful!
   • The 2019 KLC City Officials Legal Handbook will be available in January!
4. Provide a city organizational chart with employee names, job titles, and other information, such as physical location, reporting relationships, and job responsibilities.
5. Provide a calendar that includes upcoming important dates and events.  This could include dates for setting tax rates, insurance premium rates, budget deadlines, audits, and the regular monthly meetings schedule.
6. Provide information on city boards and commissions including their duties and how appointments are made.  Also advise if there are any upcoming appointments that will need to be made.
7. Provide information on the mayor’s requirements to distribute open meetings and open records act information: https://ag.ky.gov/orom/Pages/alert.aspx
8. Plan a time for the new mayors or commissioners to meet city employees, whether it is a simple meet and greet at city hall or a group lunch.
9. Give them information about KLC, including, the website (www.klc.org) and who to call when they have questions. 
10. Have them register and attend the KLC City Officials Academy in January in Lexington and Owensboro locations. Information and registration information can be found here.

For a more comprehensive checklist, contact KLC Personnel Services Manager Andrea Shindlebower Main.