Form of Government

City History

The City of Greenville was originally incorporated on Dec. 17, 1831 and was known at that time as the Village of Greenville. On March 23, 1869, the charter was altered and re-incorporated as the Town of Greenville.

On February 14, 1907, the Town of Greenville surrendered its charter to the South Carolina General Assembly and was reincorporated, this time as the City of Greenville.

On August 11, 1976, the City of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of government pursuant to the Home Rule Act of 1975. A Certificate of Incorporation was issued by the Secretary of State on August 11, 1976.

Council-Manager Government

Municipalities under the council-manager form of government have a mayor and 4, 6, or 8 council members.

Duties & Responsibilities

Although the Mayor and City Council members devote a great deal of time to guiding the City, they are not full-time employees.

  1. City Council
  2. City Manager
  3. Mayor

City Council's Responsibilities

The City Council has all legislative and policy powers. The City Council:

  • Adopts a balanced budget
  • Adopts plats and the official map
  • Appoints a temporary City Manager (if necessary)
  • Appoints boards and commissions with advice of the City Manager
  • Authorizes bond issues
  • Elects the Mayor Pro Tempore and Vice Mayor Pro Tempore
  • Employs a manager, attorney, and judge
  • Establishes departments and functions
  • Exercises general police powers
  • Investigates departments
  • Provides for an annual audit
  • Sometimes requires surety bonds