City Officials & Roles
City officials have many responsibilities. At times it can be confusing what is the responsibility of City Council and what is the responsibility of City Administration. Below are some brief descriptions of the typical roles municipal officials have.
City Council
Elected by citizens, City Council has the authority to pass or adopt policy such as an ordinance, comprehensive plan, or budget. Council develops policies by identifying needs and priorities, establishing goals, and implementing programs. City Council also “exercises significant control over administration” via resolutions, motions, special investigations, etc.
Mayor
Also elected by citizens, the mayor is generally considered the “civic leader”. They preside over council meetings and engage in discussion. They may make recommendations to the rest of City Council regarding proposed actions, however the Mayor may only vote on policy in the event of a tie.
Administration
City Administration includes the City Manager, City Recorder, Directors, and other staff members. It is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. While Administration may be involved in the policy-making process, the ultimate decision is made by Council. Administration is responsible for implementing policies adopted by Council.
City Manager
The City Manager supervises the day-to-day operations of the city and serves at the pleasure of the Council. They carry out the policy enacted by City Council.
City Employees
City employees perform the day-to-day tasks to maintain operations. Most employees are responsible to their immediate supervisor and cannot take orders from an individual councilor.
Creating Positive Change
Cities succeed when everyone works together for positive change. Those who run for office or choose employment as a public servant desire to make a difference in their community. Citizens have the ability to enact change by running for public office, electing city officials, and participating in public meetings.
It can be discouraging when change appears to happen slowly. There are local and state laws which regulate how policy change occurs and these laws must be followed by local governments.
Some change can only occur at a larger level. City Officials act as a liason at the County, State and National level.
Find information on public office and meetings at willaminaoregon.gov or call (503) 876-2242.
Library Receives Oregon Community Foundation Grant
It is with great appreciation we share that our library has been awarded the following fund support for their Internet and Technology Accessibility Improvement Project:
- Hollander Watkins Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation – $500.00
- Keane Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation – $5,000.00
- Jerome S.and Barbara Bischoff Library Subfund of Oregon Community Foundation – $15,000.00
For more information about OCF, please visit: oregoncf.org. For questions please contact Sarah Frost, Library Director, frosts@ci.willamina.or.us
City Council
Regular City Council Meetings are scheduled the second Tuesday 6:00 PM: January 9, 2023 & February 13, 2023
Public Input: Presentations not scheduled on the Agenda are limited to three (3) minutes. Longer presentations should be submitted to the City Recorder prior to the meeting.
Meetings are held hybrid:
In person at the West Valley Fire Station, 825 NE Main Street, Willamina. Via Zoom: a link is posted to the website prior to the Meeting at https://www.willaminaoregon.gov/departments/public-meetings/.
Willamina Public Library
December 22 – January 1 : CLOSED
January 3, 2-4: Art for All Ages
January 4, 2-4: Crafty Activities for Youth
January 5, 2-4: VR Fridays – Teens only
January 6: 12p-1p Minecraft Club (ages 8-17); 1p-3p – Board & Card Games for Everyone-open tables; 1p-3p – Krampus Dungeon Escape for Teens & Adults.
January 10, 4:30-5:30: Book Club for Adults: The Bride Wore White by Amanda Quick
January 14, 2p: Fundraising Committee Meeting
January 15: CLOSED (Holiday)
January 16, 6p: Library Board Meeting
January 20, 12-3: Warhammer TTRPG (teens & adults)
January 27, 12-3: Paper Gardens “Write-In” Workshop (all ages)
Contact: Sarah Frost, frosts@ci.willamina.or.us.
West Valley Fiber Enthusiasts
Now at the Willamina Public Library. Meets monthly on the 2nd Monday, 2-5 p.m. Our open-format welcomes all ages interested in the fiber arts: spinning, knitting, crochet, weaving, sewing, embroidery, tatting, felting. Beginners to experts.
South Yamhill River Astronomy Club
There will be no January meeting. We look forward to seeing you again February 17. Happy Stargazing. Contact: Sarah Frost, frosts@ci.willamina.or.us.
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Watch for Saturn near our moon January 13 & 14. Jupiter comes close to our Moon January 27.