In 2004 the City of Wauchula, by Charter, adopted a city commission-city manager form of government. This system of government is used in the majority of American cities with populations over 12,000, but it is very effective and efficient for smaller cities as well.

In our commissioner-manager form of government, the seven-member commission is responsible for making policy, passing ordinances, voting appropriations, and having overall supervisory authority in the city government. The presiding chairman of the commission also assumes the mantel of mayor. Though the chairman has full legislative oversight authority, the position of mayor is ceremonial in nature and has no formal administrative duties. The administrative duties have been delegated to the city manager by charter.

The commission will hire a city manager who acts as chief executive officer of the city responsible for supervising all government operations and implementing the policies, resolutions and ordinances adopted by the commission. The city manager serves the commission, as a city employee, by contract that specifies duties and responsibilities supplemental to charter provisions. By the nature of the duties, the city manager remains apolitical.