County Manager Proposal Aims to End Government Dysfunction

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the potential transition to a county manager system, with advocates arguing that it could enhance governance and accountability within the county. One speaker emphasized that the perception of elected officials relinquishing control to a non-elected bureaucrat is misguided. Instead, they argued that a council-manager form of government promotes shared governance, allowing the county council to play a more active role in decision-making.

The speaker highlighted the dysfunction that has plagued county governance for years, noting that the current system often leads to partisan conflicts that hinder effective administration. They suggested that a county manager, appointed by the council, would be directly accountable to elected officials, thereby reducing the power struggles that have characterized the current executive structure. This change could facilitate the implementation of policies, such as real estate tax relief for senior citizens, by ensuring that directives from the council are executed efficiently.

Drawing from their extensive experience as a city manager, the speaker recounted instances of dysfunction in other municipalities, illustrating how a professional manager can stabilize governance and improve community relations. They pointed out that many large counties across the United States successfully employ this model, leading to effective management without the significant conflicts seen in the current system.

The discussion also touched on the rarity of county managers in Missouri, where most counties operate under a three-member commission structure. However, the speaker noted that larger counties with populations exceeding one million, such as Los Angeles and Dallas, have adopted professional management systems, yielding positive results.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing sentiment among some officials that transitioning to a county manager could alleviate longstanding governance issues and foster a more collaborative and effective local government.