The City of Montrose operates under a Council-Manager form of government. In this system, the City Council is composed of seven members elected at-large in non-partisan elections with overlapping terms. The Council represents all the citizens of Montrose and has responsibility for setting all municipal policies such as adopting ordinances, resolutions, fee schedules, voting appropriations, approving the budget and determining the tax rate. The Mayor is a member of Council, who serves as its chairperson as well as fulfilling various ceremonial functions. The Mayor is elected to serve a two year term. All other members of council serve staggered four year terms.
The City Manager is appointed by and is directly responsible to the City Council. The Manager is chosen solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and experience in municipal affairs. The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City.