Under the Council/Manager form of government, the Mayor and City Council establish policy and law in Cape Girardeau and the City Manager handles the day-to-day management of the City organization. The Mayor is elected at large (city-wide) for a four-year term while the six City Council Members are elected from wards for staggered four-year terms. The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Manager, and the City Manager appoints all but a few of the employees. The Mayor and City Council Members serve part-time.

CITY MANAGER

The City Manager is the CEO of the City government. Appointed directly by the City Council, the City Manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the City. When the City Council makes a decision on an ordinance, law, or policy, the City Manager is responsible for implementing those policies.

MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Because of this responsibility, the City Manager’s Office has three employees (the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Clerk) and coordinates the operations of the City’s five departments and twelve divisions. The Manager is responsible for the preparation of a proposed operating budget and its presentation to the City Council. The Annual Budget as adopted by Council provides funding, staffing, and general guidance to the City Departments for the fiscal year.

You can contact the City Manager’s Office by calling (573)339-6320 or by email.