# City of Waterloo City Council Ad Hoc Committee Meeting - Monday, October 12, 2026

The City of Waterloo City Council Ad Hoc Committee met on October 12, 2026, to discuss a proposed ordinance creating a city manager position and shifting some operational supervision from the mayor to the manager. The draft would authorize the manager to direct budgeted purchasing and supervise city contracts, while requiring contract and franchise oversight and reporting to the mayor and council. The committee reviewed the proposed duties and answered questions about governance, accountability, public access, and the mayor’s retained responsibilities. No contract award, procurement approval, or vote on the ordinance occurred at this meeting.

The committee discussed estimated city-manager compensation of $180,000–$265,000 annually, approximately $40,000 in payroll taxes, and a one-time search-firm cost estimated at $40,000–$80,000, with the search expense expected to be covered by interest from bond funds and ongoing costs funded through a reorganization of the mayor’s office. Speakers raised questions about the supporting budget details, possible staffing needs, and whether residents should vote on the change. The committee said another meeting was planned for October 14, followed by the ordinance’s standard three-reading process after a 30-day delay; the meeting adjourned without a spending or procurement motion.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 12, 2026

### Sources
- [City of Waterloo City Council Ad Hoc Committee Meeting - Monday, October 12, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40JxoAoTAjw) - City of Waterloo