WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1034

Town of Stanley Charter Amendment/Manager.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Donnie Loftis and 1 co-sponsor

The bill expands the Town Manager’s authority to hire, suspend, or remove most town employees (except the Attorney, Tax Collector, and Clerk) and directs the Manager to administer

Regular Message Received From House
#charters;citymanagers;counties;employment;local;localgovernment;municipalities;personnel;sessionlaws;gastoncounty;stanley;governmentemployees;localgovernmentemployees
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1034

Summary of HB 1034 (Session 2025, North Carolina) – Town of Stanley Charter Amendment / Manager

Purpose

  • To amend the Charter of the Town of Stanley to permit the Town Manager to appoint Town employees other than the Town Attorney, expanding management authority over town staffing and administration.

Key Provisions

  • Governing Form and Appointment Authority (Section 1, Sub-Section A)

    • The Town of Stanley shall operate under the Council-Manager form of government as described in North Carolina General Statutes.
    • The Town Council will appoint a Town Manager.
    • The Town Manager may be appointed based on executive and administrative qualifications.
    • The Town Manager need not be a resident of the town or state at the time of appointment.
    • The Town Council shall determine the Town Manager’s compensation.

  • Duties and Powers of the Town Manager (Section 1, Sub-Section B)

    • The Town Manager is the chief administrator and is responsible for administering all municipal affairs placed in the Manager’s charge.
    • The Manager’s powers and duties include:
    • i. Hire, suspend, or remove all town employees, with the exception of:
      • the Town Attorney
      • the City Tax Collector
      • the City Clerk
      • These three are exempt from the Manager’s personnel authority per the bill.
    • ii. Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies, under the general direction of the Council.
    • iii. Attend all Town Council meetings and recommend measures as appropriate.
    • iv. Ensure laws, the Charter, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations are faithfully executed within the Town.
    • v. Prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the Council.
    • vi. Annually submit a complete financial and administrative report to the Council and make it available to the public.
    • vii. Provide other reports the Council may require regarding operations of departments, offices, and agencies under the Manager.
    • viii. Accept service of judicial documents (complaints, notices, legal processes) on behalf of the City.
    • ix. Perform other duties required or authorized by the Council.

  • Interim and Acting Manager Arrangements (Section 1, Sub-Sections C–D)

    • Acting City Manager (C): The Manager may designate, by letter to the City Clerk and with Council approval, a qualified person to exercise the powers and duties during temporary absence or disability. Council may revoke the designation and appoint another during that period.
    • Interim City Manager (D): If the Manager’s position is vacant, the Council shall designate a qualified person to exercise the powers and duties until the vacancy is filled.

  • Ineligibility for Manager Role (Section 1, Sub-Section E)

    • The Mayor and any member of the Town Council are ineligible to be appointed as the Manager or Interim Manager.

  • Effective Date (Section 2)

    • The act becomes effective when it becomes law.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Town of Stanley Governance Structure:
    • Clarifies and formalizes the Council-Manager form of government within Stanley’s charter.
  • Town Manager’s Staffing Authority:
    • Expands (or clarifies) the Manager’s authority to hire, suspend, or remove town employees, with explicit carve-outs for the Town Attorney, Tax Collector, and Clerk.
  • Transparency and Accountability:
    • Requires annual financial and administrative reporting by the Manager, with public accessibility.
  • Leadership Continuity:
    • Establishes processes for acting or interim management during temporary absence, disability, or vacancy.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Procedural Form: Local charter amendment; acts at the municipal level within the framework of NC General Statutes for Council-Manager governments.
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon becoming law (no delayed starting date specified).
  • City Leadership Rules: Maintains that Mayor and Councilmembers cannot serve as Manager or Interim Manager.

Notable Details

  • The bill reiterates the long-standing structure by referencing prior sections of Stanley’s charter and state law, while explicitly adding or confirming the Manager’s authority over most personnel decisions (with stated exemptions).
  • The bill’s language indicates a focus on administrative efficiency and clarified authority rather than creating a new government structure.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current Stanley charter to highlight exact changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.