What action can the mayor take on city legislation and when can the mayor vote?
The mayor in most cities has no right to vote on city council business. Under the mayor-council form of government, the mayor is not a member of the council and thus cannot vote, with one exception. Under chapter 372.4 of the Code of Iowa, in a city operating with an even number of council members, the mayor may vote to break a tie on motions not involving ordinances, resolutions or appointments made by the council alone. In a special charter city operating with ten council members, the mayor may vote to break a tie on all measures. Under the commission, council-manager-at-large and council-manager-ward forms of government, the mayor is considered a member of the council and may vote on all matters before the council. Under all forms of government, the mayor may sign, veto or take no action on an ordinance, amendment or resolution passed by the council. However, if the mayor was entitled to vote on such measure at the time of passage, the mayor may not veto that ordinance, amendment or
