Since May of 2005, the City of Bullard has operated as a council-manager form of government. According to the International City Management Association, the council-manager "combines the strong political leadership of elected official with the strong managerial experience of an appointed manager or administrator. All power and authority to set policy rests with an elected governmental body, which includes a Mayor or Chairperson and members of the council, commission, or board. The governing body in turn hires a non-partisan manager who has very broad authority to run the organization". 

Use of Council-Manager Form of Government

The council-manager form of government was created to fight corruption and unethical behavior by fostering professionalism, transparency, responsiveness and accountability. To the greatest extent possible, council-manager cities separate the political nature of law and policy making with the apolitical nature of implementation.

The Role of the City Manager

Under the council-manager form of government the city manager functions as the chief executive of the government organization. The city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city and serves as the chief adviser to the city council. In directing daily operations of the city, the manager is responsible for ensuring effective and efficient government service. Every city employee ultimately answers to the city manager, so the manager has the right to hire and fire staff, except the Municipal Court Judge, as appropriate and allowable by law. As the council’s chief policy adviser, the city manager recommends city policy for consideration by the council. The manager has a professional obligation to give complete and unbiased information to the council. 

The Role of the City Council

The city council is the legislative body for the city. It’s role is to adopt laws and policies to govern the city. The council leaves implementation up to the city manager and the rest of the city staff. The City of Bullard City Council is elected at large by the City's residents.