A Guide for Councillors

The Role of Councillors in Municipal Finance Management

Part 2

Councillors meet with the municipal manager in all matters involving service delivery and municipal employees. This generally happens through standing committees or sub-committees of council which meet as required.

Under the MFMA, councillors’ policy making and oversight functions include: setting the strategic direction for municipal activities setting policy to guide the municipality setting strategic objectives and priorities monitoring the implementation of policies and priorities This is done by stating what outcomes and outputs are to be achieved. • • • •

WE MUST BE CLEAR TO STAFF ON OUR EXPECTATIONS ABOUT SERVICE DELIVERY. ELECTED COUNCILLORS LIKE ME PROVIDE THIS DIRECTION.

WE SET UP INDICATORS THAT WE USE TO MEASURE THE PERFORMANCE OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS. WE MAKE SURE THAT THE MUNICIPAL FINANCES ARE HEALTHY.

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Understanding the Municipal Finance Management Act