VOTE411 Voter Guide

Wooster City Council members are elected to represent citizens, oversee the city budget, set policy, and create ordinances. Key responsibilities include reviewing and recommending changes to tax exemption agreements, providing public feedback to the council, and potentially serving as liaisons to city commissions and committees. They are expected to attend council meetings, engage with residents, and ensure laws serve the needs of the community.Core Responsibilities:Representation: Council members act as the voice of the citizens, ensuring their needs are represented in the city s decision-making processes.Budget Oversight: A primary responsibility is overseeing the city s budget, including establishing and approving expenditures.Policy & Legislation: They are responsible for setting city goals, establishing policies, and creating or amending city ordinances and resolutions.Community Engagement: Members attend city events, participate in council meetings, and gather feedback from residents to stay informed about community needs.Specific Duties:Tax Matters: The Wooster Tax Incentive Review Council, which includes council members, reviews tax exemption agreements and provides recommendations for their continuation, modification, or cancellation.Charter Review: City Council appoints a panel to review the city charter and then votes to place proposed amendments on the ballot for citizens to approve or reject.Advisory Roles: Council members may serve as liaisons to city commissions, committees, departments, or other organizations to provide oversight and support.Public Hearings: They participate in public hearings to hear citizen input on important local issues, and citizen input is a part of every first and third Monday city council meetings.