Guide to government: Newport

The Newport City Council includes the mayor and four city council members. The city council meets regularly throughout the year. In the summer of 2011 the city council began meeting once monthly, on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

The mayor is elected to a four-year term, and council members serve staggered four-year terms. Local elections take place in November of even-numbered years.

As a council member, the mayor’s official power is no greater than any other council member and the office has no veto power. The mayor executes official documents, makes appointments subject to the approval of the council and presides at council meetings. As the official head of the city, the mayor serves as spokesman for the community and city government.

Each council member is assigned to act as liaison to one of the city’s commissions.

The city commissions are: Planning; Heritage Preservation; and Parks Board.

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