Where does authority come from and who has the authority to do what?

• In the state of Texas, a home rule city is governed by a charter, and it can generally create its own rules and regulations unless Texas state law says it can’t. In other words, if state law doesn’t prohibit a type of rule, the city can adopt it. The charter is the document that sets up how our local government works and gives authority to the people and bodies within that system. The (code of ordinances) code, or ordinances, are the rules created through that system. Ordinances are simply local laws adopted by the Hillsboro City Council, and they can be updated or changed over time as the city’s needs change.
• In a council-manager form of government, the City Council sets direction for the city and hires a professional City Manager to handle day-to-day operations. The City Manager oversees staff and is responsible for hiring and managing most city employees. The City Council has three direct employees: the municipal judge, the city attorney, and the city manager. The municipal judge and city attorney do not report to the City Manager. Instead, they operate independently to help ensure fair court proceedings and unbiased legal advice, and to provide a system of checks and balances within city government. The City Council adopts policies for the city, including the annual budget. The City Manager supports Council decision making by gathering facts and/or preparing proposals for Council to consider and discuss as they determine what is best for the city. For example, the City Manager oversees creation of a proposed budget and presents it to the Council for review and approval; Council considers the recommendations, makes adjustments as desired, then approves the budget.
• Boards and commissions are groups of citizen volunteers focused on a particular area or process. They are typically either legislative or advisory. Legislative boards have some independent authority to make certain decisions, while advisory boards provide input and recommendations to staff and the City Council. In many cases, the structure and authority of legislative boards are established by Texas state law, while advisory boards are created locally to support decision-making and public input.

Organizational Chart