Originated in 1858 under the Town and Village Act in the State of Kansas, Salina became a City of the First Class on July 9, 1920 and has had a commission-city manager form of government since 1921. The commission, comprised of five members elected at large, selects one member each year to serve as mayor. The governing body is responsible for determining policy, and the city manager is responsible for the administration of the municipality. Appointed by the governing body, the city manager acts as the chief executive and primary agent. The City of Salina is comprised of 13 departments: Arts and Humanities, City Manager's Office, Finance, Computer Technology, Community and Development Services, Fire, Human Resources, Municipal Court, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, Utilities. The departments work together to serve the needs of Salina's citizens, and they aim to be the best performing municipality in Kansas.