Council Form of Government
The Chester City of Chester voted to become a Council form of government shortly after Home Rule laws took effect in South Carolina in 1975. Title 5 of the South Carolina Code of Laws governs municipal government.
Municipalities under the council form of government have either five, seven, or nine members, including a mayor. The mayor presides over meetings (by tradition), performs ceremonial duties, calls special meetings, designates a temporary judge, and acts and votes as a member of council.