The City of Marion operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The elected City Council hires a City Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of the City government.

The Mayor and all five members of the City Council are elected at-large on a non-patisan basis by the citizens of Marion for four year staggered terms.

The City Council meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the City Hall, located at 194 North Main Street. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. One Council meeting is usually held during the months of July and December. The public is always welcome to attend Council meetings and to speak on any issue they wish. Public comments are typically taken near the beginning of the meeting agenda. The public is encouraged to contact the City Manager at 828-652-3551 to arrange to appear on the City Council agenda, but is not required to do so. Special meetings of City Council are held periodically and announced in accordance with State law. Meeting schedules are advertised on the City’s website.