The Mayor, first elected in 2003, is the city's chief executive and is responsible for the overall operation of city government. The Mayor's term of office is 4 years with no restrictions on the number of terms served. A candidate for Mayor must have been a resident of Lafayette for at least 1 year. Once elected, the Mayor must reside within the city.
The Mayor's Powers & Duties
- Enforce the Ordinances of the City and the Statutes of the State
- Recommend Action to the Common Council
- Provide a Statement of the Finances and General Conditions of the City to the Common Council at Least Once per Year
- Provide Any Information Regarding City Affairs that the Common Council Requests
- Call Special Meetings of the Common Council when Necessary
- Approve or Veto Ordinances and Resolutions of the Common Council
- Supervise Subordinate Officers
- Ensure Efficient Governing of the City
- Fill Vacancies in City Offices when Required
- Sign All Bonds, Deeds, Contracts, and Licenses Issued by the City
- Appoint Heads of Executive Departments, Employees of the Departments, and most Board and Commission Members
- Suspend or Remove Officers or Employees Appointed by the Mayor
- Fix the Salaries of Appointed Officials and Employees
- Adopt Rules and Regulations for Individual Departments, Conduct Monthly Meetings of Department Heads and May Arrange Unannounced Audits of the Accounts of Each Department
- Prepare the City Budget for Council Review
- Solemnize Marriages