Page 29 - City of Bedford FY21 Budget

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.

COVER DESCRIPTION

Despite 2020’s best efforts, the City has proven resilient in the face of adversity. Across the
country, while some workers have been working from home, and others have lost jobs, many have
been deemed “essential” and continued to work during lockdowns and reduced capacity orders.

What does it mean to be an essential worker? It means being there when someone needs extra time
to pay their water bill. It means delivering books to seniors who are staying safe at home. It means
providing thermometers and masks to area businesses so that they can remain open. Essential
workers don’t always look like firefighters or police officers. While no one will argue the
importance of these roles, these other roles are easy to overlook. Citizens depend on City services
of all types, especially during a pandemic. Citizens look to the City for guidance, help, normalcy,
and leadership.

This year’s budget document highlights a few of the employees of the City of Bedford,
representing all essential employees across the organization that continued to offer service to
customers while following the changing directives and guidance brought on by the evolving
understanding of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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