Greenville was founded in 1771 as "Martinsborough," after the Royal Governor Josiah Martin. In 1774 the town was moved to its present location on the south bank of the Tar River, three miles west of its original site. In 1786, the name was changed to Greenesville in honor of General Nathanael Greene, the Revolutionary War hero, and later shortened to Greenville.
Greenville has used the council-manager form of government since 1953. Under this form of government, the City Council, which is elected by the people, is the final authority on policy matters relating to Greenville’s government. The City Council employs a City Manager to handle the day-to-day management and operations of the City.
The Mayor and City Council are responsible for establishing general policies for the operation of the City as well as appointing the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and members of the volunteer Boards and Commissions. The Council enacts ordinances, resolutions, and orders; adopts the annual budget; approves the financing of all City operations; and authorizes contracts on behalf of the City.
The Mayor and City Council Members serve two-year terms with non-partisan elections held every other November, in odd years. Candidates run for office under a system electing five district Council Members, one at-large City Council Member, and the Mayor at-large.
