The 24/7 Reality: The True Value and Sacrifices of Municipal Management
The role of a municipal manager is often misunderstood by both elected officials and residents. Many believe that our work is confined to regular office hours, but the reality is that we are always on call, ready to respond to any major situation or disaster that may arise, regardless of the day or time.
My past experiences as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, as well as working in organ and tissue donation, have given me a unique perspective on what it means to be on call. In those roles, I had designated times when I was available to work, but as a municipal manager, I can be called into action at any moment. Moreover, there is no one who can replace me – the responsibility rests solely on my shoulders.
This raises an important question: what is the value of having an executive decision-maker available 24/7? What is the worth of having someone who must always be prepared to respond and make critical decisions at a moment’s notice? It’s not just about being available; it’s also about being responsible and restrained in our personal lives, never allowing ourselves to be compromised or impaired during our tenure.
While some residents may view municipal managers as overcompensated, they often overlook the significant sacrifices we make. We are expected to be constantly available, putting the needs of the municipality above our own personal needs and desires. It’s time for our elected officials to recognize the true value of our role and compensate us fairly for the demands and responsibilities that come with it.