The City was organized in 1857 as a Home Rule Charter City and currently operates under the Mayor-Council form of government. The City Council is composed of a Mayor and five Council members. The Mayor is elected at large and serves a two-year term. Five Council members are elected to serve overlapping four-year terms.

The City Clerk is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for administering the various city departments, implementing Council policies and coordinating the preparation of the annual City budget.

The City of Chatfield provides a broad range of services, including public safety, public utilities, and cultural and recreational opportunities.

The Chatfield City Council works through a committee structure. Committee assignments are made by the Mayor. In order for an item to appear on the Council Agenda, it is generally presented in a committee meeting first.

Public Works Committee topics: Streets & Alleys, Storm Water, Sanitary Sewer, Drinking Water, Weed Control and Snow Removal.

Park & Recreation Committee topics: Parkland, Swimming Pool, Playgrounds, Recreational Paths.

Personnel/Budget Committee topics: Personnel Policy, Union Contract, Hiring Process, Wages & Benefits.

Public Services Committee topics: Fire, Police, Ambulance, Skywarn, Dispatch, Animal Control, Liquor Licensing, Building Code.

Strategic Plan

In 2021, the city and National Citizen Survey partnered to conduct the 2021 National Community Survey, which asked residents to share feedback on city services, current issues and the city's overall quality of life.

All households within the City of Chatfield were eligible to participate in the survey.  The survey was open to all city residents and postcards were mailed on August 17, 2021.  The survey remained open for 7 weeks and there were 115 responses.  The City also conducted outreach, sharing the link to the survey in a press release, posts to social media, the City newsletter, on local television, and in the local newspaper.

This information served as the springboard for a group of community leaders to meet and develop a strategic plan for 2022-2028.

 Strategic Plan 2022-2028