Office of the Mayor

The city of Horse Cave operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. Under this form of government, the citizens of Horse Cave elect a mayor and six council members. The former is elected to a four-year term, while the latter are elected to two-year terms.

Statutory requirements - KRS 83A.040(1) - states that a candidate for mayor must be at least 25 years old, be a qualified voter in the city, and be a resident of the city throughout the term of office.
The mayor must be elected at a regular election, KRS 83A.040(1). The mayor takes office on January 1st following the election and serves a four year term.

The mayor must take an oath of office before they can begin their official duties. (KRS 62.010)
In a Mayor-Council form of government, the mayor is not a a member of the legislative body, but is the executive body (KRS 83A.010; KRS 83A.130). He or she serves as chief executive and administrative officer of the city. This elected position oversees the city's daily activities. The Mayor may veto ordinances or break a tie. He or she presides over city meetings. The Mayor appoints all city employees, including police officers, except for city council staff. He or she disciplines and dismisses all city employees at will, except city council staff, subject to tenure or protection by statute or ordinance or contract