In Roman civic administration, two [[Consuls ]] were elected to manage the affairs of the city. Each had broad powers, but every act was subject to veto by the other Consul. This was the model chosen for the administration of The Augustan Society, Inc., in 2007, and is the foundation for consular authority and limits. Obviously, they also serve at the pleasure of the [[Board]] under contract, and under Board direction through the [[President]].
The logic for having two persons share what would normally be the duties of one executive director is that the job is felt to be larger than one person might manage (especially considering it is a volunteer position), and because the only viable candidates identified in 2007 were a couple, both of whom were long-time members who joined the Society in 1974. Their skills and competencies are largely complimentary, and while it would be inaccurate to describe their administration as being without conflict, these are in nearly all cases resolved between them without recourse to Board authority.
To encourage this, starting with the 2016 contract, payment will be split in half; the first half due in January, and the second half in July, giving Consuls the opportunity to waive half the fee if the Society — in their sole opinion — has made significant progress toward moving out. Should the rent be thus reduced, the following year's rent would be twice the reduced amount. Thus continuous progress would result in freezing the rent.
With the upcoming termination of the office of Consul, contracts need to be executed annually for headquarters space in the Metcalfs' home. The have expressed the intent to continue doubling the fee each year, barring significant progress by the Board toward moving out.
==Termination==
It has been determined that the office of Consul '''Consuls''' be eliminated. This motivated by the failure of this mixed-authority form of Society management, and by the emotional exhaustion of the Consulsincumbents. Conversion of the Society to one without Consuls has begun, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
The Metcalfs intend to continue in the elected and appointed offices they now hold, shown above as Official Duties, but will surrender their obligation to serve as the motivating force for the Society and other activities shown above as Unofficial Duties. It will thus be up to the [[Board]], [[Sub-Groups|Sub-Group ]] councils, and especially the [[President]] to see that things continue to happen.
They will continue to offer their services as institutional memory on request, but will try to resist the temptation to speak up without invitation. The President and others who appoint officers will be expected to do their own follow-up.