The City Council consists of seven members. Three of the members, including the Mayor, are known as Council Members at large. They are nominated and elected by the qualified electors of the City at large. The other four Council members are nominated and elected by the qualified voters in their respective wards. City Council members are elected for 4-year terms.

City Council has the power to enact laws and policies, consistent with Iowa law, regulating local and municipal affairs, usually through the enactment of ordinances and resolutions. 

Learn more about your elected officials. 

The Finance Department and the City Manager's Office are responsible for preparing the annual operating budget each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The office works with all departments to prepare a budget that is consistent with the objectives of the City Council and the City's Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Program (CIP). 

Learn more about the City's budget process, strategic plan and CIP. 

Government decisions affect our community, and Iowa law requires that most meetings of elected or appointed officials be open to the public. This means you have the right to attend, listen, and understand not only what decisions are made, but also why they are made. Transparency helps keep government accountable and ensures you stay informed.

Learn more about Council meetings, participation guidelines and more. Access all public meeting agendas, minutes and videos through our meeting portal. 

Under Iowa’s Open Records Law, most records held by local governments are public and must be made available for inspection and copying upon request. This law ensures transparency and accountability by giving residents the right to access information about how their government operates. While certain records may be confidential by law (such as those involving personal privacy or security), the general principle is that government records belong to the public.

Learn more about open records and how to submit a records request.