Government in Washington

The City of Washington is governed by a mayor, a six-member city council, and employs a city administrator. The six council members are elected from four city wards.

With ten city officers, including a K-9 patrol officer and his partner dog, Washington City Police are constantly at hand to protect and serve the community. Police officers take their jobs seriously, yet the community finds them helpful and approachable when in need. These officers take pride in their record of keeping the streets of Washington safe.

Washington’s fire department has a professional staff with four full time members covering 24/7 and is supplemented with over 30 volunteers. For additional help in a crisis, Washington’s volunteer based first responders are on call to assist in emergencies 24 hours a day. Washington considers itself fortunate to have a local paramedic level ambulance service.

No matter what the season is, Washington takes its earliest town motto, “The Cleanest City in Iowa,” to a whole new level. Year round curbside recycling has been in effect in Washington since 1989. Twice a year Washington sponsors clean-up days offering free removal of most items brought curbside for trash pickup. The county recycling center operates year round to dispose of appliances and other large items. During the fall season when those well-established trees begin to shed their leaves, Washington operates a leaf vacuum throughout the city and also provides a yard waste removal program.

In 1839, Washington was chosen the county seat. The present courthouse was built in 1887. Its pressed brick walls and stone basement are still as viable today as in the 19th century. The courthouse today is a place where Mother Justice still weighs the rights and the wrongs of the county.