The Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) serves as the primary legislative and policy-making body for the municipality. They oversee city operations, often collaborating with an appointed city administrator to ensure community needs are met.
Key purposes include:
- Legislative Authority: Passing, amending, and enforcing municipal ordinances (local laws) and resolutions to govern the town.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Reviewing and approving the annual operating budget, setting property tax rates and managing municipal funds.
- Policy Decision-Making: Determining the strategic direction for town departments (police, fire, public works) to ensure essential services are provided.
- Appointments & Governance: Appointing members to various city boards, commissions, committees and appointing key administrative staff (e.g., City Administrator, Recorder).
- Representation: Representing the interests of citizens of the city-at-large in public meetings.
The Mayor acts as the chief executive officer (CEO) who executes these policies, while the Board acts as the legislative branch.
Rules for Addressing the Board at City Hall Meetings
Being Placed on the Agenda:
The City of Decherd has an open door policy. Citizens who wish to be placed on the agenda to address the board of mayor and aldermen with a concern about any employee, service or any current proposals being considered by the board should first contact the city administrator or mayor with your concern. We encourage you to come to City Hall so we can address your concern. If you feel your concern has not been addressed, then you may request to be placed on the agenda to address the board. No requests to be placed on the agenda will be permitted unless you have first addressed your concern with the appropriate city official.
At the designated time during the board meeting, citizens on the agenda will be called upon first. Then, others who wish to address the board must raise their hand and be acknowledged by the Chair. At all times those who address the board must state their name and address, state their concern and be respectful of the board. You will be allotted three minutes unless waived by the Chair.
Being Acknowledged to Speak:
A respectful decorum is expected and required of the citizens in attendance at our Board meetings. If you have a question or concern about any business in discussion at any time by the board, raise your hand to be acknowledged. Speaking out without raising your hand to be acknowledged by the chair is not allowed and will not be tolerated. Disrespectful language or repeated interruptions of board proceedings will be cause for removal.
These rules are put in place so the board can conduct city business effectively and efficiently, while still providing an opportunity for a respectful exchange of concerns and ideas from the citizenry.
You may view the City Charter at the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS).
You may view the Municipal Code at the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS).