Vermillion was founded in 1859 and incorporated in 1873. In 1966, the City of Vermillion adopted a Council-Manager form of municipal government. The governing body is made up of nine (9) members. Eight (8) City Council members are elected from four wards, with two members representing each ward. The Mayor is elected at-large and presides over City Council meetings. The mayor may vote on all matters coming before the governing body. The governing body in turn hires a nonpartisan manager who has very broad authority to run the organization.