Many cities across the state are preparing for newly elected officials to begin serving on January 1. City clerks can ease this transition and ensure everyone gets off on the right foot with some simple preparation. A few important steps include:
- Have all newly elected officials take the oath of office before January 1. Note, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Louisville Metro Government elected officials are required to complete the oath by the first Monday in January.
- Have elected officials who will handle or have access to public funds bonded before January 1. (KRS 62.050 and KRS 65.067)
- Explain the city form of government and their role (specific job duties) within the form of government. A copy of city ordinances and the KLC City Officials Legal Handbook (Chapter 4) would be very helpful.
- The 2021 KLC City Officials Legal Handbook will be available in January!
- Provide a city organizational chart with employee names, job titles, and other information, such as physical location, reporting relationships, and job responsibilities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Plan a time for the newly elected officials to meet city employees.
- Give them information about KLC, including the website (www.klc.org) and who to call when they have questions.
- Have brand new elected officials register and attend your region’s Virtual City Officials Orientation in December and the City Officials Academy in January (there is a virtual option
as well as in-person in Lexington and in Owensboro).
For a more comprehensive orientation checklist for elected officials, contact KLC Personnel Services Manager Andrea Shindlebower Main.
