The City Manager, the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Lincolnton, is appointed by the City Council and serves at its pleasure.  The City of Lincolnton adopted the Council-Manager form of government in 1982. 

The City Manager provides management control of the city and sees that the laws of the city and state are faithfully executed.  He attends all meetings of the City Council, recommends for adoption such measures as he shall deem pertinent, and makes reports concerning the affairs of the city.
He is responsible for things such as:

• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city 
• Preparing the annual budget
• Implementing policy