Yes, in order to qualify to run for Mayor or City Council, an individual must be a US Citizen living in the city limits of Ottumwa and be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, the individual cannot be a convicted felon (unless voting rights have been restored), cannot be currently judged incompetent to vote by a court, or cannot claim the right to vote in any other place (in the US).
The City Council is the policy making arm of city government. The Council works as a team to create policy and affect the overall direction of the City. To make policy the Council votes on and passes motions, resolutions and ordinances. In addition to creating policy the Council adoptss the budget, authorizess expenditures, and approves contracts and leases. The City Council holds their regular meetings the first and third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. On occassion special City Council meetings or work sessions may be held.
The Mayor would be the Chief Executive Officer of the City. They preside over meetings – meaning they manage and maintain order. The Mayor does not vote on items before the Council (including tie-breakers). The Mayor may sign or veto resolutions and ordinances passed by the Council. The Mayor is often the “face of the community” and requested to represent the City at numerous events and functions.
Yes, they are paid once a month based upon an annual compensation of $4,000.00 for City Council Members and $9,000.00 for the Mayor.
The City Administrator serves as the Chief Operating Officer. The Administrator is charged with the efficient implementation of the policies and procedures passed by the City Council as well as supervision of City staff and budget. The City Administrator and staff assist the Council in their objective by providing information, guidance, and expertise during the meetings.
This year the City general election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. There are three City Council positions and one Mayoral position open for election this fall. The City Council and Mayoral positions are four-year terms. The terms determined by this November’s election become effective at noon on January 3, 2022.
Citizens interested in running for these offices may now obtain a Candidate's Guide, nomination papers and an affidavit of candidacy from the City Clerk’s Office at 105 E. Third Street, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The forms are also available at the County Auditor’s Office or from the Secretary of State's website.
Nominees for City Council must obtain 45 signatures from eligible electors, and 41 for the Mayor seat, but are encouraged to get more than the minimum. Persons signing the nomination papers must give their name, their address (place of residence, not a post office box or mailing address), and the date they signed the nomination paper. The number of signatures required is two percent of the total votes cast in the last preceding regular City election. The first day to file nominations to appear on the ballot with the City Clerk is Monday, August 9, 2021. The Affidavit of Candidacy must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. The nomination papers and affidavit of candidacy must be filed at the City Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
If necessary a primary election will be held four weeks prior to the general election. A primary election will be triggered if a) seven or more candidates file nomination papers for City Council or b) three or more candidates file nomination papers for the position of Mayor. The City primary election would be held October 5th, four weeks before the City general election on November 2nd.
Any questions you may contact City Adminstration at 641-683-0600 or the City Clerk's Office at 641-683-0620.
