209. Powers of Mayor and Aldermen. — The
mayor and board of aldermen of every city, town, or
village have the care, management, and control of
their municipal corporation and its property and
finances. They have power to pass ordinances that
are not contrary to the laws of the State, and to alter
or repeal the same. They levy and collect taxes,
make regulations for the general health of the com-
munity, make needful police regulations, maintain
streets, provide waterworks, erect school houses, etc.
CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES 1 77

2 1 0. Additional Powers in Cities and Towns. —
The mayor and aldermen of cities and towns have
further powers not granted to the government of
villages. They may establish and regulate hospitals,
provide for the erection of lamp posts and the lighting
of streets and parks, establish public libraries, main-
tain a regular fire department, etc. In cities and in
towns of more than 2,000 inhabitants, still larger
powers are granted; such as to levy license charges
upon trades and professions, to establish free wharves,
etc.
211. Duties of the Mayor. — The mayor is the
executive officer of the municipality. He presides at
the meetings of the aldermen, and, in case of a divi-
sion, has the deciding vote. He may veto any
measure, but the measure may still be adopted if two-
thirds of the aldermen vote for it thereafter. He
must be active and diligent in enforcing all laws and
ordinances. He must also preside in a court for the
trial of violations of the ordinances, and must impose
fines and penalties. As soon, however, as a city con-
tains more than 5,000 inhabitants, it elects a city
judge, who takes the place.of the mayor as a judicial
officer, with a wider jurisdiction.
