How is the Borough of Carlisle governed?
The Borough of Carlisle is incorporated and organized under Pennsylvania’s Borough Code. The present type of borough government is typical of small Pennsylvania municipalities in the nineteenth century. Most of the present cities were boroughs first and became cities as their populations increased. The governing body of the Borough of Carlisle is an elected council of seven members, elected at large for four-year overlapping terms. The powers of council are broad and extensive, covering virtually the whole range of municipal functions. A mayor is elected for a four-year term. Under the Borough Code, the Mayor oversees the operations of the Police Department, has veto authority over Council legislation and may break ties on Borough Council votes. Like many of the more than 200 boroughs operating under the Borough Code, the Borough of Carlisle has adopted an ordinance to establish the office of the Borough Manger. As the chief administrative officer appointed by council, the manager is r
