Policy 2: Board Responsibilities and Functions

Policy Objective:

The Board intends to clearly state its responsibilities and the functions that it must perform to properly direct the affairs of the City utility systems which it controls. 

Policy Statement:

1. The Board’s principal role is to provide governance and policy direction to RPU management and staff.
2. The Board will represent the interests of its customer owners and will make timely decisions.
3. The Board will cany out its responsibilities by exercising the following functions:
   1. Appoint a General Manager who is directly responsible for management of the RPU organization.
   2. Adopt and maintain a mission statement or similar document which identifies the fundamental philosophy by which the Board intends to cany out its responsibilities.
   3. With assistance from the General Manager and/or staff, establish strategic goals which support the RPU mission, vision and core values and provide the direction needed by management to prepare operational plans.
   4. Ensure that RPU has a long-range operational plan and review and approve, each year, a plan which is presented by the General Manager and/or staff.
   5. With assistance from the General Manager and/or staff, make broad policy decisions and prepare written policy statements to guide future Board decisions and provide the direction needed by management to prepare policies and procedures.
   6. Review, modify, and approve the capital and operating budgets presented each year by the General Manager and/or staff.
   7. Review, modify, and approve all rates and other published charges for services provided.
   8. Review, modify, and approve all financing programs, including the borrowing of money, if necessary.
   9. Ensure that an independent financial audit of RPU is conducted annually in compliance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.
   10. Upon advice of the General Manager, review, modify, and approve organizational structure and, consistent with Section 15.05 of the Home Rule Charter, staffing levels, personnel policies, labor agreements, salary administration and fringe benefit programs.
   11. Monitor and evaluate the performance of management; formally evaluate the performance of the General Manager at least annually.
   12. Ensure that RPU operates in accordance with the City Charter, specific directives of the Common Council, and all other applicable legal requirements.
   13. Serve as the body of appeal for persons and groups who desire to be heard on matters under consideration by the Board or on questions arising from RPU’s policies, operations, rates, or the actions of employees.
   14. Keep informed about matters which affect decisions facing the Board.
   15. Maintain a willingness to acquire the knowledge necessary through ongoing education and training in order to understand the issues of a modem utility.

Policy Information

Effective Date of Policy: December 27, 1984
Last Reviewed: August 29, 2023
Last Approved: September 26, 2023
Signed By: Melissa Graner Johnson, Board President
Relevant Legal Authority: 
City of Rochester Home Rule Charter Chapter XV