The Manager shall be the administrative head of the municipal government and shall be responsible for the efficient administration of all departments; and shall:
(A) Enforce the laws and ordinances within the municipality;
(B) Appoint and remove all directors of departments and employees other than those under civil service or other tenure of office laws. No appointments shall be made upon any basis other than that of merit and fitness;
(C) Exercise control of all departments and divisions of the city;
(D) Have all the powers and exercise all the duties granted by law to the City Clerk and City Comptroller with respect to the preparation of a report of estimated funds necessary to defray the expenses of the city for the fiscal year for the consideration of the Council prior to the preparation of the annual appropriation ordinance;
(E) Attend all meetings of the Council with the right to take part in the discussion, but no right to vote;
(F) Recommend to the Council for adoption any measures he or she may deem necessary or expedient;
(G) Appoint and remove all officers formerly appointed by the Mayor under Article 3 of the Illinois Municipal Code (ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5); and
(H) Prepare an annual budget proposal which shall be consistent with the accounting system of the city; in no event shall the total proposed expenditures for the General Fund exceed the estimated revenues to be received plus any unencumbered balance from the previous fiscal year or less any deficit estimated from the prior fiscal year. In the event of a projected deficit in the current fiscal year, the City Manager shall recommend in the budget for the ensuing year either expenditure reductions or revenues sufficient to eliminate any deficit anticipated to be carried over from the preceding fiscal year.
(I) Investigate, negotiate, compromise, settle and pay any and all claims, suits and actions against the city or its officers, agents or employees for sums, which in the aggregate from any one incident or occurrence, does not exceed $10,000. Prior to settling and paying an such claims, the City Manager shall consult with the City Attorney or other attorney authorized to prosecute or defend such claims. The City Manager shall secure any releases, covenants or other documentation as may be necessary or appropriate to evidence the settlement and payment of such claims and the release of any further actions, claims, suits or damages against the city or its officers, agents or employees arising out of the same occurrence. All settlements shall be promptly reported to the City Council.
(1990 Code, § 2-120) (Ord. 62-643, passed 2-5-1962; Ord. 91-1399, passed 4-15-1991; Ord. 16-2512, passed 6-6-2016)