Administration

Structure of Government

The City of New Franklin is a charter city and is governed by a Mayor and City Council. The Mayor and Council members are elected to their positions for a term of four years.

The authority of city government is limited only to those specific duties which are delegated by City Charter and Ohio law. Many of the services commonly associated with city government are under the jurisdiction of Summit County and the State of Ohio, such as animal control, sewers, public health and environmental protection.

Mayor, Paul Adamson

The Mayor serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City. His powers include: supervising the administration of the affairs of the City and its departments; enforcing all laws, resolutions and ordinances; executing all authorized contracts, conveyances, and other instruments; submitting the tax budget and appropriations; keeping Council and the Public advised of the conditions and needs of the City and recommending such measures as he deems necessary or expedient for the City’s welfare; appointing directors, department heads, employees and all members of City Boards, Commissions and other bodies; introducing legislation; and the power to veto legislation.

City Council

The Council serves as the legislative body of the City.  Council’s powers include: levying taxes, assessments and incurring debts; providing for the enforcement of police, fire, zoning and sanitary regulations; setting the compensation of the Mayor, Council, employees and any Board or Commission members; requiring bonds for officers and employees; establishing charges for City services; acquiring and selling real property; providing for an independent audit; and approving all contracts with expenditures in excess of $10,000.

The City Council consists of seven members; one member representing each of the four wards; and three at-large members.

Finance Director, Susan M. Cooke

The Finance Director is the Fiscal Officer of the City. The Finance Director is responsible for the collection, disbursement, and custody of all funds, and for the establishment and maintenance of those records and procedures necessary to perform his/her duties.

Human Resources Coordinator, Diane Snyder

This member of the Administrative Staff assists fellow employees with all aspects of human resource-related issues, such as health insurance benefits, Workers’ Compensation and retirement plans, keeping accurate personnel records and files, and preserving and maintaining cemetery records.

Communications Manager, Katie Smith

The Communications Manager develops and coordinates internal and external communications, public information, and media relations and serves as a liaison with local, state, and federal government offices and agencies relative to municipal affairs. 

Accounting/Administrative Assistant, Karen Morello

This member of the Administrative Staff acts as liaison between the Department Heads and Mayor and Finance Director in the coordination of daily office operations. The Finance Director and office support staff utilize accounting and payroll software, which was designed especially for use by Ohio political subdivisions. Among their various duties are assisting in the preparation of payroll and payroll-related reports, paying invoices and depositing funds.

Accounting/Administrative Assistant, Christine Lippincott

This member of the Administrative Staff acts as liaison between the Department Heads and Mayor and Finance Director in the coordination of daily office operations. The Finance Director and office support staff utilize accounting and payroll software, which was designed especially for use by Ohio political subdivisions. Among their various duties are assisting in the preparation of payroll and payroll-related reports, paying invoices and depositing funds.