The Mayor is the chief executive officer for the City of Sunset Valley and holds the highest elective office within the city’s government. The Mayor is elected for a term of two (2) years which filled at an election held in even numbered years.

As the governmental head of the city, the Mayor carries out the legislative responsibilities of the city and ensures the laws and ordinances are carried forth. The Mayor is also the presiding officer of all meetings of the city council and may vote only in the event of a tie.

As the administrator of the city, the Mayor works with department heads on matters that need attention each day and with other members of the council identifying the needs of the city and developing programs to satisfy those needs.

To be eligible for the office of Mayor, a person must be a US citizen, a resident of Texas for 12 months before filing for office, resided in Sunset Valley for 12 months preceding election day, be a registered voter, be 18 years of age or older upon filling a term, not have been convicted of a felony from which one has not been pardoned, and not be deemed mentally incompetent by a final judgment of the court.

During the Mayor’s absence or incapacity, the Mayor Pro tempore (tem) performs these duties. The Mayor Pro tem is a member of the council and is selected by a majority vote from its own membership. The term is for one year. While performing the duties as presiding officer of city council meetings, the Mayor Pro tem retains the right to vote on all matters before Council.

The city’s legislators are elected to the office of Council Member. The term for the members of the council is two years with staggered terms. In even numbered years, there are two council member seats filled and in odd numbered years, there are three council member seats.

The office of council member wears many hats. The council exercises regulatory powers over persons and property. They may assess fees and charges or levy taxes in support of financing the functions of the city’s governmental operations. The council is responsible for all the city employees and seeing that the city gets the best value for its dollars spent.

To be eligible for the office of Council Member, a person must be a US citizen, a resident of Texas for 12 months before filing for office, resided in Sunset Valley for 6 months preceding election day, be a registered voter, be 18 years of age or older upon filling a term, not have been convicted of a felony from which one has not been pardoned, and not be deemed mentally incompetent by a final judgment of the court. The City is not divided into wards or districts, therefore every candidate runs “at large” and the winners are determined by the persons who receive the most votes. Each elected council member is entitled to one vote on every issue decided at a council meeting.