Page 27 - City of Bedford FY20 Approved Budget

The public school system was established in the
area after 1894. Bedford Elementary School was
constructed at the current site of the Old Bedford
School in 1912 and remained in operation until
1969. It was the first use of brick as a building
material in the area. The turn of the twentieth
century saw a steady decline in the Bedford
population. A new growth period began with
World War II as military bases and defense
contractors began to build in surrounding areas.
Following World War II, the Bedford Boys
Ranch was established on a 253-acre tract of land
in 1949.

Old Bedford School c1955

Bedford Boys Ranch, late 1950s

FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Bedford incorporated on January 22, 1953 with a population of approximately 475 in a two square
mile area. At that time, the City had a mayor-commission type of government. However, on
September 24, 1966 the citizens adopted a home rule charter, along with the council-manager form
of government.

Currently, Bedford operates under the council-manager government. It elects a Mayor and six
Council Members at-large to serve staggered three-year terms. All powers of the City and the
determination of policy are vested in the elective Council, which enacts legislation, adopts budgets,
determines policies, and appoints the City Manager - who executes the laws and administers the
government of the City. The City Manager is directly responsible to the Council and each of the
department directors report to the City Manager’s office.

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