This is a summary. The full committee record for this model, including research findings, design questions, and charter implications, is in the Guide to Governance Options.
What this model is
The Council-Manager-Mayor model replaces the General Assembly with an elected Town Council of five to seven members who make decisions on behalf of all Ophir residents, supported by a professional Town Manager handling day-to-day operations. This is the most common form of home rule government in Colorado, with extensive precedent across the state.
How authority works
The Town Council holds all legislative authority and votes on:
- Ordinances and resolutions
- The annual budget
- Contracts and land use decisions
- Hiring and directing the Town Manager
Residents may attend council meetings and speak during public comment periods but do not vote on matters before the council. Between meetings, the Town Manager handles administrative matters within the authority delegated by the council. Accountability runs through elections: residents who disagree with council decisions may vote to replace council members at the next election.
How this differs from the current system
Under the current GA, any registered voter who attends a meeting votes directly on town decisions. Under this model:
- That direct voting role ends
- Elected representatives vote on residents' behalf
- Residents retain the ability to attend meetings, speak publicly, run for council, and vote in elections
- The Town Manager carries significantly more defined authority, with a direct reporting relationship to the council
What this model would require to implement
Implementing this model would require a full charter rewrite, defining:
- Council composition, terms, and election procedures
- The Mayor's role and how the position is filled
- The Town Manager's authority and appointment process
- The relationship between the council and the public
All charter amendments require approval by a majority of Ophir's registered voters. Colorado has extensive municipal charter precedent for this model.