The city manager must be chosen by the governing body on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications, with special reference to actual experience in, or knowledge of, accepted practices in respect to the duties of office. The governing body may establish residency requirements for the manager. A person elected to membership on the governing body may not be eligible for appointment as manager until one year has elapsed following the expiration of the term for which the member was elected.

Source: SL 1935, ch 158 , § 4; SDC 1939, § 45.0903; SL 2025, ch 38 , § 47.