Each community elects four commissioners and a mayor. Marseilles uses Tax Increment Finance districts with incentives for expansion of existing firms and plant relocation. The city has two established districts. Residents of Marseilles and Seneca dial an enhanced 911 system in case of health and safety emergencies. Both communities, through their police departments, are actively involved in the national D.A.R.E. anti-drug program.
Police officers work closely with the schools to prevent drug abuse in the community.
Each of the two communities is protected by well trained volunteer fire departments, operating with modern equipment and sustaining a fir insurance rating of 6. Both communities also operate ambulance services staffed by paramedics and EMTs. Seneca receives electricity from Commonwealth Edison, while Marseilles get its electricity from Illinois Power. Both receive natural gas from Northern Illinois Gas. Marseilles' telephone service is provided by Marseilles Telephone Company, a local independent firm.