Ottawa was governed by a Mayor-Council system until 1913 when the City became a Commission form of government. In 1970 voters established the City Manager form of government with a five member Commission that annually selects a Mayor from its ranks. The citizens of Ottawa elect commissioners at-large. Three seats on the Commission are open every odd numbered year. Two Commissioners are elected to four-year terms and one is elected to a two-year term.

 

The City Commission is the legislative and policy making body of the City. Regular City Commission meetings are held on a Wednesday each month. The first Wednesday meeting is scheduled at 7:00 p.m., the second at 4:00 pm, the third Wednesday is set at 10:00 a.m. and the fourth at 4:00 pm. Finally, the City Commission also meets in joint session with the Franklin County Commission and U.S.D. 290 School Board every third Wednesday at noon. All meetings are open to the public.