In Ocean City, the mayor exercises executive power over the municipality. Under the mayor's direction, administration staff members oversee day-to-day operations, hire employees, prepare budgets, provide services, maintain infrastructure, and plan projects and programs in service of all residents, guests and taxpayers.
The business administrator, as the chief operating officer, oversees the following departments: Community Services, Financial Management, Fire and Rescue Services, Law, Operations and Engineering, and Police Services. In addition, the business administrator also serves as the department head for the following Divisions: Emergency Management, Human Resources, and Purchasing.
The administrator has the power to investigate the organization and operation of any and all departments, to prescribe standards and rules of administrative practice and procedure, and to consult with the heads of the departments.