Every municipality in Ohio has an elected legislative body. The elected legislative body in Middletown is called a "council." The City operates under a Council/City Manager form of government. Council members are elected with no party designation of any kind appearing on the ballots. The elected body serves as the representative of the citizens of the community and acts as the legislative authority of the city.

The Mayor presides at all meetings and authenticates all ordinances and resolutions adopted by the Council. Moreover, the Mayor makes all proclamations in the name of the City and acts as the representative of the City for all ceremonial purposes. In the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor assumes this role.

The duties of the Council are outlined in the Middletown City Charter. However, all power, authority and rights vested in, or granted to the City or its Council, are subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the State of Ohio. In addition to its law-making authority, some of the duties of the Middletown City Council include:

• Determines the boundaries of the City's four wards
• The appointment of a Charter Review Committee every 10 years
• Appointments and removals of officers and employees of the City are subject to the advice and consent of Council
• The appointment of a City Manager as the chief administrative officer of the City
• By ordinance, the Council may create, change and abolish offices, departments or agencies established by the Charter
• The adoption, by ordinance, of an administrative code which sets forth the organizational structure and assignment of responsibilities of the various departments and divisions in the City service
• The appointment of boards and commissions whose duties are provided for by ordinance or the general laws of the State of Ohio
• Council may make changes, amendments and modifications in the City budget system as allowed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Constitution of the State of Ohio
• Within the limitations prescribed by law, the City Council has the power to issue bonds, notes and other certificates of indebtedness

Prior to January 1, 1994, the City Council was composed of five members. Today there are seven electors, all residents of the City. Three of the members serve as "at large" members and are voted upon by all qualified electors of the City. Four of the members serve "by ward" and are voted upon only by the qualified electors of the ward in which they live. The City Council members are required to meet at least twice a month. They meet in the City Council Chambers, in the City Building and the meetings are open to the public. These meetings are also taped and televised on TV Middletown (Channel 24) on Tuesday evenings.

The compensation of the members of the City Council is $5,000 per year.