Salem was founded in 1823, incorporated as the Town of Salem on February 14, 1855, and incorporated as the City of Salem on April 17, 1865.
The City of Salem is a non-home rule unit that operates under the city manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of the Mayor and four Councilmen who are elected at large for four-year terms.
The Mayor is the official head of the city. The powers of the Mayor and Council are purely legislative; except as otherwise provided in the Ordinance for the office of the Mayor.
The City Clerk, City Treasurer, Members of Boards and Commissions, and Director of the Department of Emergency Management are all appointed by the Mayor, with consent of the Council. The population of the City of Salem 7,909 as of the 2000 Census figures.
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