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Council clarifies interim city manager has full authority to administer city operations
Summary
At a council-requested discussion Oct. 20, legal staff and the city attorney clarified that the incumbent interim city manager carries full authority of the office, including supervising directors and making personnel assignments, although director appointments require council confirmation.
Forest Park — Council members asked for clarification Oct. 20 about the authority of the interim city manager. City legal counsel and the city attorney told the Mayor and Council that the interim city manager carries the full powers of the office despite the temporary title.
Councilwoman Gunn raised the question after being named to fill an unexpired council term and asked whether an interim title carried limits. The city attorney responded: the term "interim" was nomenclature; a person filling the role steps "into the shoes" of the prior officeholder and exercises the office’s duties.
Interim City Manager Clemens and legal counsel explained that the city manager — interim or permanent — has the authority to supervise department directors, make personnel decisions for non‑director positions, and assign directors to oversee projects. The council was told that appointment of a department director requires nomination by the city manager and confirmation by the mayor and council, but the manager may reassign or delegate duties to existing directors to advance projects.
Council members used the discussion to express their expectations for accountability and transparency. Councilwoman Gunn and others said they will continue to ask questions and seek information about assignments, and Councilwoman Wells said she does not want anyone under investigation to be given additional duties.
Fire Chief Jake Clements and others praised the interim city manager’s coordination and communication; several council members thanked Clemens and said they support the manager’s work while reserving oversight responsibilities.
No formal vote was required; the discussion serves as guidance on the scope of managerial authority and as direction for staff transparency and reporting.
