City residents elect a mayor and six council members at-large. A mayor pro tem is elected from among council members by a vote of City Council. All seven City Council members are paid a modest stipend. City Council elections are held the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years.
All elections are non-partisan.
The mayor of Decatur is the presiding officer at all City Council meetings and is authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the City. He represents the City on local, state and national levels. In his absence, his duties are performed by the mayor pro tem. The Decatur City Council is the City's legislative body. It sets policies, approved budgets, determines tax rates and passes ordinances and resolutions to govern the City.