Who can the General Manager appeal to if they are removed from their position?

The correct response to the question about whom the General Manager can appeal to if they are removed from their position is the City Council. This is because, in many municipal governance structures, the General Manager of a utility department operates under the auspices of the City Council. The council typically holds the authority to make decisions regarding appointments and removals for high-level positions, including the General Manager. Thus, if such an official believes their removal was unjust, they would seek recourse through the governing body that has the power to review those decisions.

The context of the governance framework is essential here, as it illustrates the checks and balances within city administration. While the Board of Commissioners, Mayor, and City Administrative Officer all play significant roles in the city's governance and probably have influence over utility matters, the City Council is usually the directly accountable entity that can review and act upon removal appeals related to managerial positions within city departments.