County Government CH. 13 SEC. 2/CE.7a Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik

Local government Virginia local governments exercise defined and limited powers, including the power to enforce state and local laws promote public health protect public safety educate children protect the environment regulate land use levy and collect taxes.

All powers of local governments in Virginia are given to them by the Constitution of Virginia and acts of the General Assembly. Not all counties and cities are given the same powers. Cities have charters listing their powers.

An elected council is the local legislative body in independent cities and incorporated towns.

Organization of County Government Counties get most of their laws from the state of Virginia Board of Supervisors governs the county—legislative branch Makes ordinances for county Approves annual budget Represent Districts

Each Virginia incorporated town has an elected town council, which exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances and adopting an annual budget. A mayor is elected either by the voters or the town council members.

Each Virginia city has an elected city council, which exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances and adopting an annual budget. A mayor is elected either by the voters or the city council members.

In Virginia counties, towns, and cities, a manager may be hired by the elected legislative branch to oversee the operations of the local government.

County Officials Sheriff – County’s chief law enforcement officer County Clerk – Keeps official government records and supervises county elections Treasurer – Supervises county’s funds

COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY Chief legal officer of a county or city; sometimes known as the district attorney

County Judicial System Local courts—hear cases under the authority provided by state legislation

COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE Responsible for collecting various fees for county; in Charlotte, this includes DMV fees

LOCAL EXECUTIVE BRANCH County Administrator – appointed by board of supervisors—carries out laws

SCHOOL BOARD School boards are responsible for the operations of public schools in a county or city.