Unit IV – Local Government County, City, Village, Township…Hamlet?

I) Types/Levels of Local Gov’t A) County – usually the largest division within a state. See handout: Herkimer, Oneida, etc. B) Town/Township – smaller subdivision of county. Across the U.S, these are slowly decreasing in number. Why? C) Village - voluntary D) Municipality – another name for city. Granted only through state “charters.” E) Special District – designed to deal with certain services specific to that community or area. Ex: Schools, Police/Fire, Water, Sewage, Transportation, Social Services, Recreational, Zoning.

II) Considerations Zoning – to control the use of land. Industrial, Residential, Commercial, Agricultural. Examples? Reason? Transport – depends on population/needs. Elderly and wealth factors. Social Services – numerous in programs, each with centered goals…”Hospice,” “WIC,” “Food Stamps,” “Medicaid,” “Unemployment.” Recreational/Cultural – frequently debated programs on their value to the community, and who should bear primary funding responsibilities. Ex: Councils for the Arts Ex: Summer Rec.

Kankakee ILLINOIS

III) County Government - Herkimer A) Background: Established in 1791, 1 of 57 Counties in NY, and 5 Boroughs of NYC Like other levels of gov’t, has 3 branches… B) Organization: Led by Legislative Branch 1) 17 Legislators from a district (see h.o) 2) Public meetings held Wednesdays in Herkimer (county seat) around 7:30 pm 3) Meeting time is limited, thus residents have just 5 minutes to make public comments 4) Each member is paid $6,500 + Insurance

C) The Real Work – performed on Committees, organized to deal with issues critical to this County. Ex: Deer problem in township of Webb. Ex: Traffic congestion in Westchester County. Activity – county reading.

IV) Town/Township Organization A) Background: 932 townships in N.Y. Ex: German Flatts, Norway, Schuyler, Russia 1 st Class=10, nd Class =less than 10K Why is this significant? B) Organization: also led by Legislative Branch. 1) Town Supervisor usually has less authority ** Rural areas may be an exception. Fairfield Why? 2) Town Boards exercise greatest power. Why? C) Services: Highway/Bridge Construction and maintenance. May be large portion of budget.

Tax Collection – obvious importance Parks – a case by case situation, role of benefactors and com. drives. Health – in a limited role, what isn’t already covered by county, state, or fed. level. “Meals on Wheels” In some cases: 1) Garbage Collection5) Zoning 2) Justice and Law Enforcement6) Records- 3) Water/SewageClerking 4) Fire Protection A Lot!

V) Village Government - Voluntary Formed by residents in a clustered area to provide additional services beyond township “Incorporation” requires petitions and a referendum by at least 500 or more. Whitesboro! A) Organization: Executive Branch Led 1) Headed by Mayor 2) Board of Trustees. 2 yr. term B) Services: (Ex. Mohawk…Poland) 1) Raise $/Property Taxes (2% Cap) 2) Police/Fire 3) Codes Establishment4) Water/Sewer 5) Library6) Snow removal 7) Parks/Rec8) Records/Clerk 9) Natural Monopolies10) Franchise Establishment

But: Calls remain in the Mohawk Valley for Consolidation of villages/townships Or at the least, consolidation of services (water, fire, education, highway maintenance, dog-catching, road salt, etc.)

THE FINAL EXAM Part I - 75 Multiple Choice (Day 1 = 1-50 M/C) Part II – 13 Identification Part III – Short Answer (2) (Day 2 = M/C and Parts II/III) Unit I: Critical Issues Unit II: Elections/Campaigns Unit III: Outside Forces (media/interest grps) Unit IV: Local Gov’t