The city of Westerville operates under a city manager style of government.

Since 1916 The City Council is a group of seven elected officials. According to
the City Charter, these are the only elected officials. This group is responsible for
making Westerville policies. Each member serves for a four year term. On odd
years, citizens can vote for city council candidates. One year, four seats will be
open, and two years later at the next odd year election three seats are open.
Once elected, a city council member has an opportunity to run for a position
within the council. These positions include Council Chair, Council Vice-Chair,
Mayor and Vice-Mayor. These positions are only held for two years. City
Council meets four times a month, two formal, and two informal. At these
meetings topics such as city laws, policies, budgets, and contracts are
discussed. Each meeting is open to the public unless publicized otherwise.
Many city officials report directly to city council. The city Manager, Clerk of
Council, and Director of Law all report to city council. The City Manager
implements the councils policies. The Clerk of Council makes records of the
councils meeting and policies, which are available to the public. Finally, the
Director of Law provides legal advice to the council.
To become City Manager you must be appointed. The City
Manager reports directly to City Council. He or she is the Citys Chief Executive
Officer. It is the duty of the City Manager to oversee everyday operations in
Westerville. Functions of Westerville are carried out by the city manager and ten
appointed division directors. It is the duty and responsibility of the City Manager

to enforce the policies set by City Council. This job is an every day responsibility
whereas City Council is once a week. Also, to be city manager you must be
appointed and not elected. Both jobs require a knowledge and love of the city
one is working in.
The police department is one of the many services the City of Westerville
provides. This department is responsible for maintaining the safety of those in
Westerville. The police department is responsible for going to the site of crimes,
car crashes, and other emergencies. Members of the police force also help
direct traffic, and help control crowds. The police department is also responsible
for things such as controlling who has alarms, and who has permits for them.
Also, they are in charge of bike registration, and recovery. Police recover bikes,
and most of them go unclaimed, registering them can prevent this. Along with
this, the Westerville Police Department provides services such as Cops and Kids
day, self-defense classes, D.A.R.E., and many more programs for the
community. At the head of the department is Chief Joe Morbitzer. Under him,
are officers with many different jobs. Each officer carries out a different job such
as patrolling neighborhoods, or even being a school resource officer. The police
Department plays an important role in keeping the city safe. Without safety, not
many people would want to live in Westerville.
The Parks and Recreation Department is another department under the
city of Westerville. Randy Auler is the Director of the Parks and Recreation
Department. He is in charge of the entire program. In Westerville the parks and
recreation department is a big deal. This department is Award winning! Parks

and Rec. is responsible for things like parks, bike paths, the community center,
and many community events. This department is intended to make Westerville a
better place and set it apart. The parks and recreation department provides both
activities and places for activities for the community. Without this department
Westerville would not have any of its wonderful parks or bike paths. No more
Highlands, and no more soccer, softball, baseball or any kind of fields. This
department makes a city fun to live in or not. Westerville is lucky to have such a
great parks and rec department, which is why so many people for outside of
Westerville come here for activities.
The city of Westerville also controls many boards and commissions.
These groups make recommendations to City Council about each of the issues
the group deals with. One of these is the Visitors and Convention Bureau. This
group is made up of seven members. The members of this group help market
the city's attractions such as the wonderful community center. They also
organize tours and organize events to encourage tourism. This group even has
their own website! The site includes things such as places to eat, places to shop,
places to stay, and places to visit. The site also includes some pictures of
Westerville, and a map. The Visitors and Convention Bureau meets once a
month in uptown Westerville, one of the places the group promotes!
Another board the city runs is the Uptown Review Board. This group is
also made up of seven members. Also, they meet once a month on the first
Thursday in the City Council Chambers. These meetings are open to the public.
The Uptown Board of Review is responsible for protecting the historic character

of the uptown Westerville area. These areas can include paint changes, door
and window replacements, landscaping changes such as fences and walkways,
building additions, building demolition and many more. This group also oversees
renovation projects to ensure that the historic feel is preserved. The Uptown
Review Board also reports directly to City Council.