The City was incorporated by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1782 and recognized as a port in 1784. It became the county seat of Beaufort County in 1785.
Council members hold policy making and legislative authority.
They are responsible for passing ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing Board and Commission members and appointing the City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney and Tax Collector. Copyright 2000 by the City of Washington. All rights reserved.