TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU:
FROM: Council Member Hondros
DATE: April 6, 2026
RE:Title
City Council Agenda Item Request - Staff research on City Clerk service under CMO vs. Council - Council Member HondrosTitle
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
2) Responsive City Government
3) City Invested in Today and Tomorrow
4) Desirable Place to Live, Work & Recreate
5) Financially Sound City Providing Exemplary City Services
6) Collaborative Citizen and Business Engagement Base
Executive Summary:
Research comparison of pros and cons of Clerk serving under CMO vs. under Council, including but not limited to NCGS and UNC School of Government’s best practices recommendations and guidelines, and peer city and county comparisons.
Charlotte, Mecklenburg County
Raleigh, Wake County
Cary, Wake County
Greensboro, Guilford County
Wilmington, New Hanover County
Durham, Durham County
High Point, Guilford County
Winston Salem, Forsyth County
Concord, Cabarrus County
Fayetteville, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners
Background:
Per NCGS the Council in cities with a council-manager form of government commonly appoint the Clerk.
City Clerk serving at the pleasure of Council ensures political independence, allowing the Clerk to act as a neutral keeper of records.
One practical reason for the Clerk to serve under Council instead of the CMO is that they can keep personnel folder with the City Attorney’s and City Manager’s employment agreement(s) and annual performance evaluations.
Issues/Analysis:
Budget Impact:
Options:
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
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Attachments:
City Council Agenda Item Request