City of Lafayette, IN - City Council

City Council

Members of the Common Council are part-time elected officials who serve for four years and can run for re-election as often as they wish. As a legislative body the Council can exercise its power through the passage of ordinances and the appropriation of money. The Council fixes the annual salaries of elected officials, members of the police and fire departments, and has the authority to reduce, but not increase any other items in the city budget as submitted by the mayor.

At its first meeting, the Common Council chooses a president and a President Pro-Tem (to serve in the absence of the President). Both the President and the President Pro-Tem are elected for one year terms. Melissa Weast-Williamson is the current President of the Common Council.

Meetings and Records

On the first Monday in January after the municipal election, members of the City Council are required to hold their first regular meeting. The Common Council meets at least once per month. A quorum (five or more members present) must be present at meetings in order for the Council to take any action or transact any business. The Lafayette Common Council typically meets in regular session of the first Monday of each month, with Caucus being held on the Wednesday prior to each regular session.

Lafayette Council Committees

Standing committees are permanent committees which are set up at the beginning of the term of office. Special committees are temporarily established to report on a specific subject and are dissolved when the report has been made.