There are about 36 councils in NSW that are led by popularly elected mayors, however Wagga council is not one of them. Instead, the councillors decide who is mayor for a two-year term.

Wagga councillor Paul Funnell plans to initiate a notice of motion at Monday night's meeting that requests the council staff explain the options and processes of what is required to shift this power to the people.

It comes in response to many questions received over the years from residents wanting to understand why they do not get to choose who serves in the top job, Cr Funnell said.

He said his position was undecided because there were pros and cons either way.

"[What happens is you get someone] outrageously popular standing for mayor, gets elected but is completely and utterly useless ... but then you are stuck with the mayor for four years," he said.

"On the other side, I strongly believe the people deserve the right to make their choice on who should be mayor. But, people need to understand if they choose a mayor, that's who they have for the term of council."

Former mayor Kevin Wales said the popularly elected mayor has been an ongoing debate for decades, which he remembers attracted backlash from the councillors during his four years wearing the mayoral chains.

Mr Wales said the concept was one that he fully supported and believed Wagga should be heading towards.

"Each and every councillor are elected to support the community ... and I honestly do believe the people of Wagga have the right to elect the person that they believe will be the best mayor."