Murphysboro

Murphysboro Municipal Water Report Info

Murphysboro was officially incorporated on March 4, 1867. Located in Jackson County, the city has approximately 9,500 residents. The community operates under the leadership of a Mayor, City Clerk, and a 10-member city council, with two representatives from each of the five city wards serving four-year terms.

The council elects five members every two years. Both the mayor and city clerk serve four-year terms. During council meetings, the mayor presides but cannot vote except to break ties. The mayor has veto power, though ordinances can be passed over a veto with a two-thirds council vote.

As the city's official representative, the mayor attends formal, civic, and cultural functions. Illinois law also designates the mayor as the municipal liquor commissioner, responsible for issuing licenses to alcohol vendors within city limits, collecting associated fees, and handling any license revocation proceedings.

With council approval, the mayor appoints members to the Sallie Logan Library Board. The Murphysboro Park Board is elected through regular elections, while the mayor and county judge appoint Murphysboro's two representatives to the Southern Illinois Airport Board.

The city council governs through mayoral-appointed committees. As the primary policy-making body, the council works with the city attorney to draft and implement municipal regulations. The city clerk maintains all official records and council business documentation, issues required notices, processes city bills, collects licensing fees, and oversees building permits for new construction.

The city attorney represents Murphysboro in all legal matters, advises the council, and represents the city in legal actions. This position is appointive, and when necessary, the board can hire special legal counsel to assist.

The Daum Administration Building at 1101 Walnut Street houses City Administration, Water billing, and the Mayor's office.