The City of Cullman operates under a Mayor-Council form of government consisting of a Mayor and a five-member City Council. Each are elected by popular vote to serve concurrent four-year terms. Elections for Mayor and City Council are held every four years in August.
The City Council is the governing body of the City and has all legislative and policy-making powers. The City Council acts only by ordinance, resolution, or motion. They adopt an annual budget and confirm appointments made by the Mayor. Other responsibilities include appropriating and issuing bonds, awarding contracts, levying assessments against property, and leasing or disposing of City real estate. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday nights each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. All City Council meetings are open to the public.