The Mayor and Council meet in regular session on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council chambers located upstairs at City Hall. All meetings are open to the public and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.

In 1976 the Mayor and Council elected to establish the council-manager form of government which allows for a democratically elected Mayor and Council. The Mayor and City Council are the legislative body of the City. It is their responsibility to establish and amend city policies through the enactment of ordinances and resolutions.

The City Manager is appointed by the council and delegated authority and responsibility to ensure services are provided in a timely and cost effective manner, to prepare and implement an annual budget, and to manage the City of Bainbridge work force and the day-to-day operations of the city through policies set by the Mayor and City Council. While the city manager has substantial authority, the mayor and council retain the ultimate executive responsibility and may remove the city manager at any time they feel it is appropriate to do so.

The Mayor and Council member for seat Number One are elected at-large and represent the entire city. The other five members of the City Council are elected from districts. The Mayor and Council members are elected on a non-partisan basis for four-year terms, and the terms are staggered therefore a City election is held every two years.

The Mayor is responsible for appointing membership to the various standing and ad hoc committees of the City and these appointments are confirmed by the entire City Council.