Picayune’s form of government is called a council-manager government which is made up of a six-member council consisting of a mayor and five councilmen. Under this form of government, the City Council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local ordinances, voting on appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city.
The mayor presides over the council meetings and performs ceremonial duties. The elected officials appoint a city manager to oversee the daily business and operations of the city. The city manager is the chief administrative officer of the municipality and is responsible to the council for the entire administration of the city government.