The government of the City of Dahlonega is vested in a City Council composed of a mayor and six council members. Each member will serve a four year term of office. To be eligible to serve as mayor or council member you must be a resident of the city for a period of one year immediately prior to the date of the election of the mayor or council member and continue to reside within the city during period of service. To be a candidate for Mayor or City Council one must be registered and qualified to vote in the municipal election of the City of Dahlonega and must meet the qualification standards required for members of the Georgia House of Representatives as are now or may in the future be prescribed by the Georgia Constitution.

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City Of Dahlonega. a mayor pro-tem is appointed each year.

The City Council appoints a City Manager on the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications who supervises and coordinates all departments of the city and implements the policy decisions of the City Council in all departments. The City Council also appoints a City Clerk who also serves as the city treasurer and provides administrative and clerical support to elective officials, appointees, and the city manager.  The city staff  includes an Assistant City Clerk who assists in the clerical and administrative activities of the city administrative office. Also employed is a Secretary/Receptionist  whose duties include varied secretarial and clerical support for the city administrative office.

The Municipal Court has the jurisdiction and authority to try offenses against the laws and ordinances of the city. The municipal court is presided over by the judge of the court who is appointed by the City Council. A Court Clerk is also employed. Other duties of the court clerk include varied secretarial and bookkeeping tasks of the city administrative office.

City staff includes a Code Enforcement Officer who enforces city ordinances and regulations.

The Planning & Zoning Administrator  is responsible for the administration of planning and zoning which includes plan review for subdivision, multifamily and commercial development, zoning administration, land use regulations, plat approval, building permits, business license and the administration of variances and appeals. 

A City Attorney is also appointed by the City Council who is responsible for representing and defending the city in all litigation in which the city is a party and advises the council, mayor and other officers and employees of the city concerning legal aspects of the city's affairs and performs such other duties as may be requested by the council.

City Council

The corporate powers of the government of the City of Dahlonega is exercised by the Dahlonega City Council which is the governing authority. the Dahlonega City Council is responsible for enacting ordinances, resolutions, and regulations governing the City. Forty-nine specific powers of the city are enumerated in the City Charter among which is the following: levy and collection of property taxes, license fees, franchise fees, beer and wine taxes, miscellaneous permit fees, hotel motel taxes and sales taxes.

Taxes

The assessed value of taxable property in Dahlonega has continued to increase. The total assessed value as of January, 2005 was $436,154,154. The tax millage rate is currently  3.62 mills.

The City's Responsibilities to the Citizens

The City of Dahlonega is responsible for street repair and maintenance, regulation of building construction and repairs, planning and zoning, sewer and water services and garbage collection. Police and Fire Protection are provided by Lumpkin County. The City of Dahlonega is under contract with the Chamber of Commerce to provide tourism services. The City of Dahlonega owns and operates two cemeteries, Mt. Hope and Dahlonega Memorial Park. The city currently has two parks. One city park is located adjacent to City Hall and provides a walking trail, two covered picnic areas, and children's play equipment. The other is located downtown and features a large gazebo and  picnic areas.  The city is also working toward beautification of all four main entrances into the City of Dahlonega.