A Council-Manager form of government governs the City of Clinton. The City council is the legislative board of city government and includes a Mayor (who is elected every two years) and five council members, each representing electoral districts, who serve four-year terms. The mayor is the presiding officer of the Council. A mayor pro tem is selected from the five council members. The mayor pro tem serves as mayor in the absence or incapacity of the mayor. Through this arrangement, the City Council sets and directs policy regarding the operations of city government. Clinton's elections are non-partisan and elections are held in odd numbered years. City residents may call the Sampson County Board of Elections (592-5796) for more information.

Mayor Mr. Lew Starling	Mayor Pro-Tem Ms. Maxine Harris District 5	Councilman Mr. Steve Stefanovich District 1
Councilman Mr. Neal Strickland District 2	Councilman Rev. Marcus Becton District 3	Councilwoman Ms. Jean Turlington District 4