City Manager:

Josh Ross, MPA
jross@bessemercity.com

(704) 629-5542

The City Manager is the chief administrator of the City and is appointed by City Council.  Josh Ross was appointed as the City Manager for Bessemer City in 2022.

The City Manager’s roles and responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the performance of all City departments
• Implementing policies, projects, and adopted by City Council
• Ensuring that all projects, operations, and functions of the City operate efficiently
• Ensuring all Local, State, and Federal laws are followed by the City
• Responding to citizen concerns

The Manager also works to develop the City’s annual budget, works with other managers in ther region to develop best practices for local government policy, and strives to carry out the vision, mission, and goals of the City Council while preserving values established by the City Council. 

City Clerk/HR:

Hydeia Hayes, MPA
hhayes@bessemercity.com

(704) 729-6509

The office of City Clerk  strives to provide clerical, record keeping and administrative functions to the Bessemer City Council and the City Manager.  The office also strives to be a resource for City staff and provided resources for employee excellence.The City Clerk serves as the link between City Council and citizens as well as between the City Manager and city staff.  Every town, City, and County in North Carolina has a City Clerk who serves as the custodian of public records, works to communicate policy to the public, organizes the public’s business, and performs varies task that assist in the operation of local government.  The City Clerk performs many tasks that assist guiding and managing the operation of local government policy and law.

  • Agenda preparation
  • Custodian of all City records
  • Manages requests to speak to Council
  • Administers Job Openings and Hiring Processes
  • Manages all human resources functions for all City employees
  • Collects, organizes, and maintains records
  • Records and submits City Council meeting minutes
  • Fulfills public records requests

Interested in speaking at a City Council meeting?  Have a public records request? Contact the Clerks Office at (704) 729-6509.

City Attorney:

David Smith III, Esq.
dsmith@gastonlegal.com

(704) 865-4400

The City Attorney serves as legal Council to the City Council and works closely with City Staff.  David Smith has been practicing law for close to 40 years and serving as Bessemer City’s attorney for more than 20 years.  The City Attorney interprets North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) as well as other laws that impact the operations and responsibilities of the City. 

David Smith is a contracted staff member who practices private law.

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