January 7, 2025
By the Toledo Tribune
Well, folks, I was sitting in the quiet of a rainy morning, sipping coffee, with a little sugar and cream, thinking about the machinery that keeps this little town of ours ticking. Not the most glamorous subject, I admit, but it’s the kind of thing that deserves a nod now and then. You see, Toledo’s city government, in all its paperwork and committee meetings, really does shape how we live our lives. Whether it’s deciding where a road goes or how much we spend on the library, the work they do has a ripple effect, even if it’s not always obvious from the outside.
Now, I know you’re not the kind to get stuck in the weeds of red tape and fine print, so let’s keep this simple. I want to share a little something about the folks who sit on our city council and the job they’ve been entrusted with. It’s not always glamorous, and it doesn’t come with the kind of thrill you get from a new highway or a park bench, but it’s important, just the same.
What the City Council Does (And Should Do)
So, let’s start with the basics. The city council, made up of people we’ve elected to represent us, has a mighty job—to help steer this ship we call Toledo. They make the big decisions, lay out the policies, and decide how our tax dollars are spent. But here’s the thing—while they have an important role in setting the direction for our town, they aren’t the ones rolling up their sleeves and getting into the nitty-gritty of day-to-day operations. That’s where the city manager and staff comes in, the one tasked with making sure the wheels are greased and the gears are turning.
Here’s what the council is really supposed to do:
1. Policy Making: They create the rules that guide us—the zoning laws, the park hours, the things that help make our community feel like home.
2. Budget Approval: They decide how we spend our hard-earned tax dollars. It’s a balancing act, making sure we meet the needs of the town while keeping an eye on the bottom line.
3. Long-Term Planning: Our council looks ahead, thinking about the future, making sure we grow in a way that’s good for the next generation.
4. Hiring the City Manager: This is one of the most important things they do—hiring the city manager, who then steps in to handle the day-to-day operations. Once that happens, the council’s job is to stay out of the way and let the manager work their magic.
What They Can’t Do (And Why It’s Good They Don’t)
Here’s where things get a little sticky. Sometimes, with the best of intentions, a councilor might feel like they can solve a problem faster than waiting for the regular channels. But let’s be clear: the councilors are not supposed to micromanage. They hire the manager for a reason, and that’s to run the day-to-day operations.
Here’s what the city council can’t do, even if they’re feeling extra helpful:
1. No Micromanaging: They can’t get into the weeds of how the city’s staff is managed. That’s the manager’s job.
2. No Conflicts of Interest: Councilors are here for the town, not for themselves. They can’t make decisions that would benefit them personally—that’s just common sense.
3. No Secret Meetings: Transparency is key. If councilors start holding secret meetings, it’s not just bad form, it’s illegal. The people deserve to know what’s going on.
Oregon’s ethics laws are governed by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC). Violations may result in:
• Civil Penalties: Fines of up to $5,000 per violation, or $10,000 for certain willful violations.
When the council stays in its lane, everyone benefits. They set the vision, the manager does the work. Simple as that.
When Good Intentions Go Awry
We’ve all seen it—a councilor, in a moment of enthusiasm, trying to fix something with the best of intentions. But here’s the thing: even the best intentions can go sideways if we don’t stick to the rules. Whether it’s trying to speed things up or save a few bucks, when a councilor steps outside their lane, they could put the whole town at risk.
The truth is, good intentions can’t excuse overstepping boundaries. And while it might seem like it’s all well and good in the moment, the repercussions can be serious. But it’s not just about rules—it’s about trust. The people of Toledo deserve to know that their leaders are following the law and acting in the community’s best interest.
The City Manager: The One Who Keeps the Ship Steady
Now, let’s talk about the city manager. This is the person hired by the council to take the big ideas and turn them into action. They’re the ones keeping the city running day in and day out. And the best part? The council sets the vision, then gets out of the way and lets the manager do the work.
Here’s what the council can do if things aren’t going smoothly:
1. Evaluation and Feedback: If the city manager’s performance needs tweaking, the council has the responsibility to give constructive feedback and make sure everything is running as it should.
2. Addressing Issues Directly: If there’s a serious problem, the council can address it, but it has to be done carefully and through the proper channels.
3. Termination (If Necessary): If it comes down to it, the council has the authority to make a change, but they’ve got to follow the rules to make it right.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
At the end of the day, Toledo’s city government is about balance. The council makes the big decisions, and the manager takes care of the details. When the council knows where their job ends and the manager’s begins, things go smoothly. And while it’s never going to be perfect, it’s what we’ve got—and it’s not bad.
Let’s give our councilors a little grace, and let’s hold them accountable, too. They’ve got a tough job, but when they follow the rules, they help make Toledo the kind of place we all want to live.
That’s how it works in Toledo, folks—and, as always, we make it work together.
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