What is a typical responsibility of the elected governing body in relation to appointing department heads?

• A. Appoint and set performance expectations, while ensuring compliance with labor relations and regular evaluations.
• B. Directly manage day-to-day operations of all departments.
• C. Avoid any involvement in hiring decisions.
• D. Handle all employee grievances personally without department head involvement.

Answer: (A)

In local government, the elected governing body typically appoints department heads and sets their performance expectations, while ensuring compliance with labor relations and requiring regular evaluations. This arrangement supports a clear division between policy direction and administration: the board hires the leaders who implement policy and then holds them accountable through formal evaluations and adherence to labor agreements.

Day-to-day operations are handled by department heads under the direction of the city manager or administrator, not by the elected body. The governing body does participate in hiring, via appointment or confirmation, and oversees performance, but it does not micromanage daily tasks or handle all employee grievances personally. Grievances are processed through established HR procedures and the department head, with the governing body providing oversight rather than direct case handling.