Page 11 - Employee Handbook 1-2015 rev9

A. City of Winston-Salem History and Facts

One of the South's most progressive cities, Winston-Salem is a combination of two early
communities: Salem, with the traditions of its Moravian founders; and Winston, a vigorous
industrial center.

In 1753, a group of Moravians from Pennsylvania purchased land in the wilderness of
Piedmont North Carolina and settled the town of Bethabara. "Wachovia," as they called their
new land of approximately 100,000 acres, was named after the Austrian estate of Count Nicholas
Lewis Von Zinzendorf, a protector of this early Protestant denomination in its search for
religious freedom.

Because of their plan to build a central town for Wachovia, part of the Bethabara
settlement moved a few miles southeast and founded the town of Salem in 1766. Meaning
"Peace," Salem became the religious and cultural center of the area. The Moravians, who were
industrious people, lured history to their community. In 1791, George Washington spent two
nights in Salem Tavern, which still stands on the main street.

In 1849, the North Carolina Legislature created the new county of Forsyth from part of
Stokes County, and Winston was founded as the county seat. Forsyth County was named for
Colonel Benjamin Forsyth, hero of the War of 1812. Winston was named for Major Joseph
Winston, a Revolutionary War hero. The City of Winston, unlike its neighbor Salem to the
South, was based on industry.

However, in 1913, the citizens of Winston and Salem voted to unite under one common
government, founded upon cooperation, and formed the City of Winston-Salem.

B. Description of City Government

The Mayor is the official head of City government and provides leadership for the
establishment of priorities for the City government and for the formulation of strategies to
achieve those priorities. The Mayor presides at all City Council meetings, votes in case of a tie,
recommends appointments to City boards and commissions, and carries out special
responsibilities during emergencies. The Mayor Pro Tempore, elected by a vote of the Council,
assumes the Mayor's duties in the absence of the Mayor.

The governing body for the City of Winston-Salem is an eight-member City Council.
Voters go to the polls every four years in November to elect a Mayor and Council. The Mayor is
elected at large, and Council members are elected by citizens in each of eight wards within the
City.

The City Council is responsible for adopting and providing for all ordinances, rules and
regulations as necessary for the general welfare of the City. It approves the City budget and sets
property taxes and all user fees. The Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney and
approves appointments to City boards and commissions.

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