City of Abilene Organization

City Charter Facts

The people of Abilene are dedicated to the principle of local self-government, under law, as interpreted by the light of reason, and have established a municipal government capable of efficiently translating the wishes of the voters into effective administration as promptly and economically as possible. The first Abilene Charter went into effect in 1911.

Abilene is a home rule city. It has all powers granted to home rule cities by the constitution and laws of Texas. The municipal government provided by the City Charter is known as "Council-Manager Government." All powers of the City are vested in an elected City Council, which enacts legislation, adopts budgets, and determines policies.

The City Council consists of six Council members and a Mayor, all of whom are elected at large. Each Council member serves for a term of three years. Terms for the City Council are on a three year staggered basis such that two Council members are elected each year. The Mayor and each Council member receive a salary of one dollar per year for each year he or she serves as Mayor or Council member.

The Mayor appoints the City Manager, the City Secretary, the City Attorney, and the Judge of Municipal Court with the approval of the Council.

The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City who executes the laws and administers the government of the City. The City's fiscal year begins on October 1 each year, and ends on the following September 30.

Organization

The City of Abilene is organized into eleven departments: Administrative Services, Aviation, Community Services, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, General Government, Planning and Development Services, Police, Public Works, and Water. Each department has one or more subordinate divisions.

City Hall

Abilene City Hall is located at 555 Walnut Street in Abilene. The building has three floors containing the offices for various divisions. Visitors can find the Employment Office, Risk Management, and the Development Services Center on the first floor. City Council Chamber, Administration, Office of Neighborhood Services, and the Cashiers are on the second floor.

Municipal Court (where tickets are paid) may only be entered through exterior doors located on the northeast corner of the building, which is the side opposite Walnut street. (Water Billing is not in City Hall anymore, and is now at 534 Cypress street.) City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Mission
We work together to build a community of the highest quality for present and future generations. Our core values include Team Spirit, Responsiveness, Continuous Improvement, Integrity, and Individual Worth.

City Hall

Abilene City Hall is located at 555 Walnut Street in Abilene. The building has three floors containing the offices for various divisions. Visitors can find the Development Services Center, the Employment Office, and Risk Management on the first floor. City Council Chamber, Administration, Office of Neighborhood Services, and the Cashiers are on the second floor.

Municipal Court (where tickets are paid) may only be entered through exterior doors located on the northeast corner of the building, which is the side opposite Walnut street. (Water Billing is not in City Hall anymore, and is now at 534 Cypress Street.) City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Our Mission

We work together to build a community of the highest quality for present and future generations. Our core values include Team Spirit, Responsiveness, Continuous Improvement, Integrity, and Individual Worth.