Elected Officials

The City of Cottonwood is organized as a Statutory City under the laws of the State of Minnesota and operates under the Mayor-Council form of government. As a statutory city, Cottonwood derives its authority from Minnesota Statutes rather than a locally adopted home rule charter. Legislative and policy-making authority is vested in the City Council, which consists of the Mayor and four Council Members elected by the community. The City Council is responsible for adopting ordinances and resolutions, establishing municipal policies, approving the annual budget, setting tax levies, and overseeing the provision of essential public services. The Mayor serves as the presiding officer of the Council, represents the City at official functions, and performs duties prescribed by Minnesota law. The City Administrator is appointed by and serves at the direction of the City Council, managing the City's day-to-day operations, implementing Council policies, supervising municipal staff, preparing budgets, and ensuring the efficient administration of City services. This structure provides a clear separation between the Council's policy-making responsibilities and the professional administration of municipal operations.