The City of Herrin, Illinois is a home rule municipality which operates under a mayor and aldermanic form of government, and is comprised of the Mayor and eight aldermen, who are elected for four year terms. The City Clerk and Treasurer are also elected for four year terms. The Department Heads and staff are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council.

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The Aldermen serve on various committees for the purpose of addressing issues relative to each City Department. If there is business to transact, they will meet at 5:30 p.m. prior to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. All committee recommendations will be presented to the City Council. The committees consists of Finance, Public Works, Public Improvement, Public Safety, Insurance and Library Liaison and Civic Center Liaison.

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The Aldermen represent the 4 districts or ‘Wards’ of Herrin. Ward 1 is bound by Park Avenue on the west and the Herrin Short Line and Crab Orchard & Egyptian Railroad on the south. Ward 2 is bound by Park Avenue on the east and the Herrin Shortline and Crab Orchard & Egyptian Railroad on the south. Ward 3 is bound by Park Avenue on the east and the Herrin Short Line Crab Orchard & Egyptian Railroad on the north. Ward 4 is bound by Park Avenue on the west and the Herrin Short Line and Crab Orchard & Egyptian Railroad on the north.

The City Council meets formally on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Herrin City Hall.