Chapter 2.10
MAYOR
Sections:
2.10.020 Mayor – Qualifications – Term – Compensation.
2.10.030 Mayor – Vacated office – Appointment by board of trustees.
2.10.040 Mayor – Presiding officer of board of trustees – Limitations on vote.
2.10.050 Mayor – Chief executive officer – Powers.
2.10.060 Mayor – Appointment of officers after election.
2.10.070 Mayor – Authority to appoint, supervise and discharge employees.
2.10.080 Additional powers of mayor.
2.10.010 Title.
This chapter shall be cited as the “mayor ordinance.” [Prior code § 2-2-1]
2.10.020 Mayor – Qualifications – Term – Compensation.
A. The chief executive officer of the municipality shall be the mayor who shall be a qualified elector residing within the limits of the municipality. The mayor shall be elected for a four-year term.
B. The mayor shall receive a salary of $30,000 per year; however, the mayor’s salary shall be reduced by the percentage difference if the work week is less than 40 hours for regular employees. For example, a 32-hour work week equates to a 20 percent reduction in salary.
C. The mayor will be available for BOT meetings, special meetings and general office hours, total hours per week 15.
D. In the event an employee in the service of the town has filed a declaration of candidacy for elective office of the town of Mesilla, he/she may expend annual leave for electioneering or campaign activities. If elected or appointed to municipal office, on the taking of the oath of office the employee must resign from service with the town. [Ord. 2010-02 § 1; Ord. 2007-07 § 1; Ord. 2003-08 § 1; Ord. 91-13 § 1; Ord. 89-11 § 1; prior code § 2-2-2]
2.10.030 Mayor – Vacated office – Appointment by board of trustees.
In case of the death, disability, resignation or change of residence from the municipality, of the mayor, the board of trustees shall appoint by majority vote a qualified elector to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term of office. [Prior code § 2-2-3]
2.10.040 Mayor – Presiding officer of board of trustees – Limitations on vote.
The mayor of a municipality is the presiding officer of the board of trustees. [Prior code § 2-2-4]
2.10.050 Mayor – Chief executive officer – Powers.
The mayor is the chief executive officer and shall:
A. Cause the ordinances and regulations of the municipality to be obeyed;
B. Exercise, within the municipality, powers conferred upon sheriffs of counties to suppress disorders and keep the peace; and
C. Perform other duties, compatible with his/her office, which the board of trustees may require. [Prior code § 2-2-5]
2.10.060 Mayor – Appointment of officers after election.
A. At the organizational meeting of the board of trustees, which shall be held pursuant to Section 3-8-33 NMSA 1978, the mayor shall submit, for confirmation by the board of trustees, the names of persons who shall fill appointive offices of the municipality and the names of persons who shall be employed by the municipality. If the board of trustees fails to confirm any person as an appointive official or employee of the municipality, the mayor at the next regular meeting of the board of trustees shall submit the name of another person to fill the appointed office or to be employed by the municipality.
B. Any person holding an appointed office at the time of the municipal election shall continue in that office until his/her successor has been appointed, qualified, and is confirmed. [Ord. 2004-04 § 1; prior code § 2-2-6]
2.10.070 Mayor – Authority to appoint, supervise and discharge employees.
A. Subject to the approval of a majority of all members of the board of trustees, the mayor shall:
1. Appoint all officers and employees except those holding elective office; and
2. Designate an employee to perform any service authorized by the board of trustees.
B. The mayor may appoint temporary employees as required for the proper administration of municipal affairs. The employee shall serve only until the next regular meeting of the board of trustees at which a quorum is present. The temporary employment shall cease and the employee shall not be reappointed unless his/her appointment is confirmed by the board of trustees. A temporary employee is entitled to the usual, ordinary and reasonable compensation for services rendered to the municipality. Upon the appointment of a temporary employee, the major shall immediately notify the board of trustees in writing.
C. The mayor shall:
1. Supervise the employees of the municipality;
2. Examine the grounds of reasonable complaint made against any employee; and
3. Cause any violations or neglect of the employees’ duties to be corrected promptly or reported to the proper authority for correction and punishment.
D. Subject to the limitation of a merit system ordinance adopted as authorized in Section 3-13-4 NMSA 1978:
1. The board of trustees may discharge an appointed official or employee by a majority of all the members of the board of trustees;
2. The mayor may discharge an appointed official or employee upon the approval of a majority of all the members of the board of trustees; or
3. The mayor may suspend an appointed official or employee until the next regular meeting of the board of trustees at which time the suspension shall be approved or disapproved by a majority of all the members of the board of trustees. If the suspension of the appointed official or employee is disapproved by the board of trustees, the suspended appointed official or employee shall be paid the compensation he/she was entitled to receive during the time of his/her suspension.
E. Any appointed official of employee who is discharged shall:
1. Upon his request, be given, by the mayor in writing, a list of the reasons for his discharge;
2. Be paid any vacation pay which he may have accrued. [Prior code § 2-2-7]
2.10.080 Additional powers of mayor.
The mayor shall sign all commissions, licenses and permits granted by the governing body, and other acts that the law or ordinances may require, or the commissions, licenses and permits may be authenticated as authorized under the Uniform Facsimile Signature of Public Officials Act (6-9-1 to 6-9-6 NMSA 1978). [Prior code § 2-2-7]