Policy is adopted by the Commission then administered by a professional city administrator, the city manager.

The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission and holds office strictly at the pleasure of the Commission.  The City Manager is responsible to the City Commission for the efficient administration of all business affairs of the City.  In carrying out this responsibility, the Charter provides that the City Manager shall have the following power and obligation:

• To see that the laws and ordinances of the City are enforced.
  
  
• To appoint and remove all subordinate officers and employees of the City, with the exception of the City Attorney and City Clerk.
  
  
• To exercise control and direct supervision over all departments and divisions of the municipal government.
  
  
• To recommend to the City Commission for adoption such measures, as he may deem necessary or expedient in the interest of the City.
  
  
• To keep the City Commission fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the City and to submit for its consideration an annual budget.
  
  
• To be the purchasing agent for the City by whom all purchases and supplies shall be made and shall approve all vouchers for the payment of same.

Mr. Hammons attended Miami Dade Junior College graduating Phi Theta Kappa. He also attended Florida Atlantic University graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  He completed his Masters of Science in Management at Florida International University in Miami, Florida.  He has served in government for approximately 35 years.

He is past president of the Florida City and County Management Association, President of Florida City and County Management Foundation, member of International/City/County Management Association, he serves on the board of directors for the Economical Development Alliance, is an active member of the Panama City Rotary Club, Board of Directors of United Way, Southwest Regional Cooperative Administrative Support Unit Board of Directors and former Chairman, and past president of Georgia City and County Management Association.

Mr. Hammons is married to Elizabeth (Libby) and they have two children and two grandchildren.