(a) 
The city council is the primary authority for the legislative branch of government of the city.
(b) 
The power and authority of the legislative branch is vested with the city council as a body.
(2013 Code, sec. 3.1.2.1)
(a) 
The legislative branch and the members thereof shall have all the power, authority and duties assigned to them by state law, the Code of Ordinances and other ordinances of the city, except those duties assigned to the executive branch or judicial branch of the city by the Code of Ordinances or other ordinances of the city.
(b) 
The legislative branch shall have the authority to make and approve all laws of the city by the passage of ordinances.
(c) 
The legislative branch shall have the authority to establish the policies of the city by the passage of ordinances and resolutions.
(d) 
The legislative branch shall have the authority to set the annual tax rate.
(e) 
The legislative branch shall have the authority to apportion the monies of the city in the annual budget, planning for the expenditures of the upcoming fiscal year.
(f) 
The legislative branch shall have the authority to amend the annual budget at any time they deem appropriate.
(2013 Code, sec. 3.1.2.2)
(a) 
The city council shall consist of five (5) voting aldermen and the mayor.
(b) 
The aldermen of the city are elected at large and places on the city council do not reflect a district or area.
(c) 
The term of office for the mayor or alderman shall be for two (2) years, except:
(1) 
In the case of appointment to fill a vacant place on the city council, such term shall be until the next regular election; or
(2) 
In the case of an election to fill an unexpired term, such term shall be for the balance of the unexpired term.
(2013 Code, sec. 3.1.2.3)
(a) 
Candidates for the office of mayor or alderman for the city must comply with all applicable state laws and ordinances of the city.
(b) 
Each candidate for office shall file an application for a place on the ballot and specify the office for which they are running. For example:
(1) 
Mayor;
(2) 
Alderman Place Five; or
(3) 
Alderman Place Two.
(c) 
The ballots shall reflect the office for which the election is being held and the name of each candidate for that office.
(d) 
The election to fill odd-numbered city council seats shall be held during the fall general election (most often in November) in even-numbered years. This includes:
(1) 
Alderman Place One;
(2) 
Alderman Place Three; and
(3) 
Alderman Place Five.
(e) 
The election to fill even-numbered city council seats shall be held during the fall general election (most often in November) in odd-numbered years. This includes:
(1) 
Alderman Place Two; and
(2) 
Alderman Place Four.
(f) 
The election to fill the mayor’s seat shall be held during the fall general election (most often in November) in odd-numbered years.
(2013 Code, sec. 3.1.2.4; Ordinance 2016-08-06 adopted 8/23/16)
The legislative branch shall consist of:
(1) 
The mayor and aldermen of the city as the governing body known as the city council;
(2) 
The municipal officers of the city that support the legislative function of the city, specifically:
(A) 
The city secretary;
(B) 
The city treasurer; and
(C) 
The city civil attorney;
(3) 
All other boards and commissions of the city; and
(4) 
Any staff or volunteers assigned to the support of the legislative function.
(2013 Code, sec. 3.1.2.5)