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The Van Wert City Council is the legislative body responsible for creating local laws and approving major city expenditures.  Individual council members are also receive committee assignments. These committees work with city officials and other persons specializing in a particular field to research a given topic.   Committees then make recommendations to the entire city council prior to a vote.

The Finance Committee oversees the establishment of the city budget, which requires interaction with various committees, along with the Safety Service Director and City Auditor.   This committee makes recommendations for various expenditures, which involves the transfer of funds.  It also accepts the state auditor’s report, and implements recommendations for auditing principals and policies.

The Health and Safety Committee Health and Safety Committee responsibilities include 911, EMA, pest control, and interacting with police and fire department to promote public safety. These meetings may concern training, equipment, or manpower needs.  For example, this committee often   interact with other committees for items as the need for safety equipment which is the responsibility of the Property and Equipment Committee.  Another example is placement of traffic signs, which is a safety issue, but also a responsibility of the Street and Alleys Committee.

The Judiciary and Annexation Committee receive zoning and planning board recommendations.   They also create ordinance and resolution recommendations.

The Park and Recreation Committee works with the park director in setting up priorities and gives the park director general direction.  When priorities involve additional costs, this committee interacts with the Finance Committee, Safety Service Director, City Auditor, and others.

The Property and Equipment Committee is responsible for equipment and capital improvements for the various departments.

The Streets and Alleys Committee is involved in parking issues, traffic flow, sidewalks, traffic control devices, and major expenditures involving issues relating to their committee.

The Water and Sewer Committee oversees treatment capacities, water and sewer lines, along with major improvement projects relating to city utilities.  The committee also participates in coordinating issues such as city utility rates.

The Council President is responsible for aiding council in follow proper protocol, giving public notices, presenting public petitions, and assigning issues to various committees.