City Manager

The day-to-day business of operating the city is the responsibility of the city manager, the chief administrator of the city appointed by the city council. Through various departments, he is responsible for providing and maintaining the essential services of the city. Acting in much the same way as a chief executive officer of a corporation, the city manager is concerned about the efficient and cost-effective operation of the city. Citizens require and depend upon the city for certain services; among them are fire and police protection, recreational facilities, parks, sanitationand streets. The city manager delegates responsibility and coordinates the many tasks performed daily by city employees.

A duty that is the direct responsibility of the city manager, however, is the preparation of the city's annual budget. The budget reflects the expected revenue and projected expenses for the ensuing year, and is the subject of public hearings. The city manager, in carrying out the responsibilities of fiscal planning and of other areas of city government, has the authority to appoint the heads of the various administrative departments and divisions.

Council determines policy and overall direction for the city through by legislation, but execution of council's decisions is the paramount responsibility of the city manager.

The City of Murfreesboro has operated under a council-manager form of government since 1920 with the appointment of RE Lowe as city manager, who served until 1927. There have been four other city managers: SS Cox (1927-1946), HL McCullough (1947-1963), Clyde Fite (1963 to 1989) and Roger Haley (1989-present).