As local legislators, councilmembers are responsible for and responsive to the citizens who elected them.

Each elected councilperson serves a term of 4 years and may seek reelection as many times as they wish.  When vacancies arise, any eligible citizen who lives in within the city limits can be appointed by the Mayor to serve out the remaining portion of the vacant position.  

As prescribed in the city’s charter and state laws, the council performs the following, non-exhaustive, functions:

• Review and approve the annual budget;

• Establish long- and short-term objectives and priorities;

• Oversee performance of the local public employees;

• Oversee effectiveness of programs;

• Establish tax rates;

• Enter into legal contracts;

• Borrow funds;

• Pass ordinances and resolutions;

• Modify the city’s charter;

• Regulate land use through zoning laws;

• Regulate business activity through licensing and regulations;

• Regulate public health and safety;

• Exercise the power of eminent domain;

• Communicate policies and programs to residents;

• Respond to constituent needs and complaints; and

• Represent the community to other levels of government.

City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7pm at City Hall with each meeting open to the public.

From time to time the mayor may call for a special meeting at a specified time and place, usually also at City Hall.  These special meetings are usually only convened to address city business that is time sensitive and cannot wait until the next regular meeting.  Like normal meetings these special sessions are also open to the public.