The governing body sets policy and has general oversight over all the City Administrator and all departments of the city. They have the power to make and enforce such rules and regulations as they deem fit and proper for the organization, management and operation of city departments.

The Governing Body of the City of Cherryvale consists of the mayor and four council members. Two council members must be residents of the First Ward and two council members must be residents of the Second Ward. The mayor may be a resident of either ward. The First Ward is described as all of the city lying east of the center line of the railroad right-of-way. The Second Ward is described as all of the city lying west of the center line of the railroad right-of-way. All council members and the mayor are elected by the City at large.