AUSTIN, Texas — On Wednesday, the Austin City Council voted almost unanimously to fire City Manager Spencer Cronk following his response to the winter storm earlier this month. His termination is effective Thursday.
As Austinites react to the news, some may be wondering: What exactly does a city manager do?
According to the City's website, Austin operates under a "council-manager" system of government, under which the mayor and city council are responsible for all legislative functions of the city. They appoint a professional city manager who "operates much like a CEO in private-sector businesses and who is tasked with carrying out city council's legislative and policy objectives."
The alternative to a "council-manager" system is a "mayor-council" system, otherwise known as a "strong mayor" system. In a strong mayor system, the mayor's position is the most powerful. Under the system, the mayor has veto power and the ability to hire or fire most department heads and direct staff.
In May 2021, Austin residents voted on a proposition that, if passed, would have changed the city's governmental system from "council-manager" to "mayor-council." That proposition failed.
The City's website lists the following responsibilities for the city manager:
- Preparing a $4.2 billion budget for council consideration and managing its passage
- Managing a City staff of more than 14,000 including overseeing recruiting and hiring
- Directing operations
- Recommending policies and programs to city council and carrying out council policies
- Spearheading key initiatives
Cronk will receive a one-year severance of $463,001.50, under a City ordinance in which he was hired in 2018. Former city manager Jesús Garza will serve as interim city manager.