DIXON – Dixon’s unusual form of government has received heaps of criticism since the arrest of the city’s former comptroller.

Under the commission form of government, commissioners and the mayor oversee the city’s various departments. But that, some critics say, doesn’t replace a full-time professional city manager.

Ex-Comptroller Rita Crundwell faces a charge of federal wire fraud in connection what prosecutors say is the misappropriation of $53 million in city funds since 1990, a fraud that experts say likely was made easier by the lack of oversight.