Government

“Government for the People” 

     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.