The City Commission is comprised of five members elected at large for three-year, staggered terms. Each year the Commission chooses one member to serve as Mayor. The City Commission is responsible for the policy determination and the City Manager is responsible for the administration of the municipal government. The City Manager is appointed by the Governing Body and acts as its chief executive and primary agent in accordance with state law. All employees are appointed by the City Manager.
All meetings are open to the public and accessible to persons with disabilities.
A Citizen's Open Forum is held at the beginning of each meeting to hear public comments about general city affairs. Sterling serves as a shining example of good government in which citizen involvement, political leadership, and professional management have formed a lasting partnership.