The Mayor and Council positions are non-partisan. Elections are held every four years in August.
Mayor
The Mayor oversees the day to day operations of the City. The Mayor does not have a vote at Council meetings but can veto Council action.
City Council
The City of Athens has a municipal government comprised of an elected Mayor and 5 members of a City Council.
The City Council votes on budgets, ordinances and contracts. By state law the City Council must also appoint the Police Chief, Fire Chief, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Municipal Judge. The City Council also makes appointments to the Athens School Board, Athens Limestone Hospital, Pryor Field Regional Airport Authority and other boards.