Section 18. Powers and Duties of Heads of Departments. —

Each head of department of the city government shall be in control of such department under the direction of the City Mayor and shall possess such powers as may be prescribed herein or by ordinance. He shall certify to the correctness of all payrolls and vouchers of his department covering the payment of money before payment, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. At least four months before the beginning of each fiscal year, he shall prepare and present to the City Mayor an estimate of the receipts and appropriations necessary for the operation of his department during the ensuing fiscal year, and shall submit therewith such information for purposes of comparison as the City Mayor may desire. He shall also submit to the City Mayor as often as required reports covering the operation of his department.

In case of absence or sickness, or inability to act of any other reasons of the head of any of the city departments, the officers next in rank of that department, shall act in his place with authority to sign all necessary papers vouchers, requisitions and similar documents.