On August 20, 1900, the City of Susanville became an incorporated municipality. After the devastating fire of June 6, 1900, residents gathered to discuss to incorporate the town as means to have control of fire suppression. They petitioned for the Lassen County Board of Supervisors to hold a special election, which the board obliged. On August 15, the voters approved the measure for incorporation by 61 to 20. Five days later the City became a reality.
Elected to serve as the first Trustees (now Council) were Charles E. Emerson, John E. Humphrey, Howard W. Meylert, Julien E. Pardee and John. Riley. Also elected were W.H. Edwards, Town Marshall, W.T. Masten as Clerk and M.F. Schmidt, as Treasurer. The first meeting was held on August 28, 1900, and Pardee was selected as President (now mayor).