About Us

Overview


Bel Aire has a Council - Manager form of government where the mayor serves for four years and is limited to two consecutive terms. After the completion of a four year break a former mayor may be qualified to run for mayor again. Council members are elected to serve for a term of four years, limited to two consecutive terms. After a break in service of at least four years a former council member may be qualified to run for city council again. The council members serve staggered terms, with two positions elected for four years, and then two years later the remaining three positions are elected for four-year terms.
Group photo of 2022 Council members J. Smith, J. Welch, J. Benage, E. Hamburg, T. Dehn, G. Davied

Duties of the Mayor


The Mayor presides at the City Council meetings and recommends measures deemed advisable, votes in case of a tie, and has the power to veto any ordinance passed by the Council.

The Mayor also appoints members to city boards with the consent of the Council.

Lobbying


The City of Bel Aire does not engage in any direct lobbying. The City does not employ any staff members whose job duties include lobbying. The City of Bel Aire is a member of the League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM). LKM does engage in lobbying activities as part of their mission to unify, strengthen, and advocate for the interests of Kansas municipalities. The City paid $4,305.09 in membership dues to LKM for 2022. To learn more about LKM, visit the League website.