St. Marys Government

The City of St. Marys incorporated in 1994, the result of a consolidation of the former Borough of St. Marys and the Township of Benzinger. The consolidation effort has sparked considerable interest throughout Pennsylvania, as other communities have investigated this process to provide more efficient services and improve the long-term planning and implementation of government operations.

St. Marys is the largest third-class city in Pennsylvania by land mass, covering nearly 95 square miles and containing about 80 miles of local public roads. The 1990 Census listed the population of St. Marys as 14,202 residents.

The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government established by a Home Rule Charter adopted by popular vote in 1992. City Council consists of five members, elected at large to four-year terms. An appointed Manager is the chief executive and administrative officer of the City.

The City maintains a full-time police force and a modern volunteer fire department. The City also provides recreational facilities and programs, street maintenance, code enforcement, planning and grantsmanship services.

The City also operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which provides sewer service to 4,571 residential, commercial, and industrial customers. In addition, several City authorities operate public water facilities, redevelopment programs, the St. Marys Airport, and the Bavarian Hills Golf Course.