AB 421

Under current law, a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class city, as well as certain villages with

a population in excess of 1,000, may choose to operate under the city manager form

of government. Under this system, the elective members of the common council elect

a city manager. The election of the city manager must be based purely on merit, and

the members of the council must give due regard for a candidate's training,

experience, and executive and adminstrative abilities. A city manager is engaged by

the council for an indefinite term, and he or she is in charge of the executive side of

city government. Currently, residence in the city or the state may not be a

qualification for the office of city manager.

Also under current law, a local governmental unit (any city, village, town,

county, or school district) may not, generally, require as a condition of employment

that any employee or prospective employee reside within any jurisdictional limit.

Current law provides limited exceptions to the prohibition on residency

requirements for law enforcement, fire, or emergency personnel.

Under this bill, a city or village that operates under the city manager system

of government may impose a residency requirement on its city manager. The

residency requirement authorized under the bill first applies to an individual who

is hired for the position of city manager on the bill's effective date.