Tifton's City Charter establishes the framework for a "Council-Manager" form of local government. All legislative authority is vested to City Council. A City Manager is hired by the elected body and serves at their pleasure. All executive authority is the responsibility of the City Manager. City Council also selects the City Attorney. All other City employees work at the direction of the City Manager.

• The City Council shall appoint a City Manager for an indefinite term and shall fix the City Manager's compensation.
• The City Manager shall be appointed solely on the basis of that person's executive and administrative qualifications.
• The City Manager shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.
• The City Manager shall be responsible to the City Council for the administration of all City affairs placed in the City Manager's charge by or under the City Charter.
• The City Manager shall appoint, suspend or remove all City employees and administrative officers the City Manager appoints, except as otherwise provided by law.
• The City Manager shall direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by the City Charter or by law.
• The City Manager shall attend all City Council meetings and shall have the right to take part in discussion, but the City Manager may not vote.
• The City Manager shall see that all laws, provisions of the City Charter, and acts of the City Council, subject to enforcement by the City Manager's direction and supervision, are faithfully executed.
• The City Manager shall prepare and submit the annual operating budget and capital budget to the City Council.
• The City Manager shall submit to the City Council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City as of the end of each fiscal year.
• The City Manager shall keep the City Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City, and make such recommendations to the City Council concerning the affairs of the City as the City Manager deems necessary.