The Duties of Mayor of West Chester

The duties of Mayor of West Chester are clearly outlined in the Borough’s Home Rule Charter.  Here is a short summary of those duties:

It is important to note that in the Borough Government Organizational chart, it is the CITIZENS that top the chart.  The Mayor and the Borough Council and all the rest of our Borough government fall under the citizens.  Our government is based on “citizens first”. 

  1. “The Mayor, through the Police Chief, shall direct the administration of the Police Department.  Accordingly, the Mayor shall have the authority to establish rules, regulations and procedures for the Police Department, which may be delegated to the Police Chief.  
  2. The Mayor shall select and submit to Council for consideration and approval candidates for Police department appointment and promotions, following certification of eligibility by the West Chester Civil Service Commission.
  3. The Mayor shall be recognized as head of the Borough government for all ceremonial purposes
  4. The Mayor has the power to preserve order in the Borough and until Council can take appropriate action, can declare a state of emergency, when a serious threat to life, health or safety of the citizens of the Borough shall occur within the Borough, and to take appropriate actions in such circumstances.
  5. The Mayor may attend meetings of the Council with equal right to participate in its deliberations.
  6. The Mayor, may at his or her option break a tie vote of Council or may veto a vote in certain circumstances.
  7. The Mayor shall prepare and submit an annual operating and capital budget for the Police Department to Borough Council.
  8. The Mayor has the power to preserve order in the Borough, and enforce all resolutions and ordinances that do not delegate enforcement authority to other individuals.
  9. The Mayor has the power to administer oaths and affirmations in matters pertaining to Borough affairs. 

Each Mayor has these official duties to fulfill.