In 1738 Georgetown, which included Arrowsic and Long Reach (Bath), was established. On February 17, 1781, the City of Bath was granted a Charter from the General Court of Massachusetts. The Town of Bath, with 3 Selectmen and a Town Meeting, was formed. In 1847 the town experienced rapid growth driven by the shipbuilding industry and the region’s central rail location. Bath was granted a Charter from the State of Maine and became a city.
Maine has 22 communities that are classified as cities. The City of Bath operates under the City Charter required by all cities. This Charter is the written, basic body of laws by which a city will govern itself, similar to a Constitution. Municipal laws are particular laws passed within the framework of the Charter and consistent with State law, to meet certain situations or concerns within the community. In comparison, towns in Maine are not required to have Charters and are governed under Maine Statute with some Home Rule provisions.
The City of Bath's current governmental style is a Council-Manager plan. The Bath City Council, with its nine members, is the legislative body and, as such, is responsible for all policy development. The administrative arm of the City is headed by a City Manager.
For questions and inquiries about the Bath Municipal Government, please see Department pages on the Bath Government section of this website, or call the City Manager's office at 443-8330, weekdays between 8:30 and 4:30.
City Manager's Office
Bath City Hall
55 Front Street
Bath, Maine 04530
Assessor's Office