The City of Decatur operates as a Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for the overall administering, managing, and executing all city policies benefiting and protecting Decatur residents. 

The City Manager works closely with the City Council and the department directors to ensure that Decatur offers the highest quality of life to its residents and businesses.  

Powers and Duties

The City Manager shall be the chief administrative officer and head of the administrative branch of the City. He shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of all the affairs of the City and to that end shall have the power and be required to:

• In cooperation with the City Attorney, see that all State laws and City ordinances are effectively enforced.
• Appoint, suspend and/or remove all or any one of the heads of departments and all subordinate officers and employees of the City.
• Exercise control over all departments and subdivisions thereof created by this Charter, or that may hereafter be created by the Council, except as hereinafter provided.
• See that all terms and conditions imposed in favor of the City or its inhabitants in any public utility franchise are faithfully kept and performed, and upon knowledge of any violation thereof to call the same to the attention of the City Attorney, whose duty it   shall be to take such steps as may be necessary to enforce the same.
• Attend all meetings of the Council, except when excused by the Council. 
• Prepare a proposed budget annually and submit it to the Council each year and be responsible for its administration after its adoption.
• Administer the budget of the City.
• Prepare and submit to the Council at the end of the fiscal year a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City for the preceding year.
• Keep the Council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the City and make such recommendations as may seem to him advisable.
• Prepare personnel rules subject to the approval of the Council.
• Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Charter or required of him by the Council.