The city operates under a charter, adopted by
voters in 1979 and under continual review, which provides for a Mayor-Council
form of government. Legislative authority is vested in a seven-member City
Council, of whom three members are elected at large and four are elected from
wards. The presiding officer, the President of Council, is elected at large and
serves in the absence of the Mayor. The city's chief and full-time
administrative officer is the Mayor.
The Mayor appoints all employees except those of City Council, the City
Auditor's office and the City Attorney's office. The city's chief fiscal officer
is the City Auditor. The city's legal officer is the City Attorney, whose office
is full-time. Mayor, Council members, City auditor, and City Attorney are all
elected; all terms are four years.
The city's administrative services are organized into two departments:
Safety/Services and Parks and Recreation. The Mayor appoints each departmental
director. The Safety/Services Director supervises the divisions of streets,
building, water and waste water. This Director also supervises the Division of
Police and maintains a liaison with the Truro Township Fire Department. The
department maintains Seceder and Hill Cemeteries.
The Parks Department maintains all city parks and schedules all local
recreational activity including youth sports leagues and summer playground
programs, enrichment programs and helps year-round with local events including
the Fitness Challenge, Halloween party, the Santa Claus Castle, and Christmas on
the Towne.