The short answer is that the commission, as a group, sets policy for city staff to implement. 

The primary tool for this is the budget that is adopted.  Budgets should be a reflection of community priorities. 

Aside from the budget the Comprehensive Plan spells out how the city can grow and the Land Development Regulations indicate the rules for building.  The commission generally meets every other week to vote on issues related to development, local ordinances, award contracts, and give direction to City Staff when there are questions. 

The day-to-day operations are left to the employees.  The Commission, as a group, hires and fires the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk.  

What the Commission can not do, is ignore City Ordinances or State Law in deciding decisions. 

Government is complicated and often projects have multiple hurdles.  The process defines when there is an option to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a request before the commission. 

In some cases, what seems like an obvious ‘no’ would expose the city to significant liability because state rules govern the reasons a ‘no’ can be provided.  It IS frustrating and sometimes seems like those here are not being served. 

Why do you want to be a Commissioner?

At the local level it is where we really can make a difference. 

The community needs leaders that have diverse experience allowing them to be able to look at things from many perspectives and then choose in the public interest. 

I’m so frustrated at the lack of public service and policy based decision making that happens as the government gets bigger.  Rules made in Tallahassee are increasingly making it hard to govern locally.