Structures and Functions
Council structures
A council can appoint any standing committee, special committee or subcommittee it considers appropriate.
Standing committees (or permanent committees) are responsible for much of the work the council does. They are responsible for a council’s regulatory services, planning, recreation and safety, as well as promoting economic benefits, although some councils now operate without committees.
In addition, many councils have community boards. New community boards can be set up by cities or districts to make sure that a community’s interests are represented and to bring decision-making closer to the community (depending on the functions and responsibilities delegated to them by the council).
Responsibility for council functions
Councillors are responsible for making policy decisions on matters such as:
- the services the council will provide
- the level of rates it will charge
- the bylaws it will make.
Councils have a chief executive and other staff to provide advice and implement these decisions.
Council meetings and the public
The public is entitled to attend all meetings of council and council committees, and community boards. Public meetings provide an opportunity for the council to make available detailed information on complex issues and to enable the public to provide feedback to the council.
Councils and community boards do have the right to discuss some matters in private such as matters of privacy or commercial sensitivity. They may also elect to hold workshops to debate and find out more about an issue and these are usually held in private.
Last updated: August 2008
