The board of aldermen shall have power to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers and records relating to any subject under consideration in which the interest of the city is involved, and shall have power to call on the proper officers of the city, or of the county in which such city is located, to execute such process. The officer making such service shall be allowed to receive therefor such fees as are allowed by law in the circuit court for similar services, to be paid by the city. The mayor or acting president of the board of aldermen shall have power to administer oaths to witnesses.