The City of Melissa is a Type A General Law "General-Law Municipality" and is governed by a Mayor and a five member City Council striving to provide the citizens of Melissa with excellent services and quality of life. There are five members and a Mayor elected at large. The Mayor does not have voting rights except in the case of a tie.

Each member is elected at large and by Place, and serves a two-year term. City Council elections are staggered and are usually on the first Saturday in May of each year. Those interested in serving on the City Council must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the City of Melissa.

The Mayor and Council meet in regular session twice monthly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. and on an as needed basis.