Local Governments

-Largest level of local government County Government -Largest level of local government -Gets all authority from the State Government Cannot operate without state’s permission -Charters -Local version of a Constitution—It is given to local governments by the State Describes government, structure, and powers -Common Purposes Protection of and services to the people The county level of government is the largest level of local government in the United States. Why is that? How come county governments are larger than city governments? What is the difference between a city and a county? Does it matter which you live in? Can some people live in both?

Chris Rollins is the hired county manager for Alamance County. County Officials -County Board (legislature) -Commissioners -Alderman Elected local legislature -Manager Hired professional, runs county Harnett County citizens elect a 5-member Board of County Commissioners through partisan elections held every two years. The commissioners elect a chairman and vice-chairman during their first meeting in December. The commissioners are elected by geographical districts across the County. The Harnett County Board of Commissioners is the governing body for the entire county. Responsibilities include overseeing the budget, zoning and planning issues, promoting growth, and improving the quality of life for citizens of Harnett County. Chris Rollins is the hired county manager for Alamance County.

Chief law enforcement officer Runs jail and Sheriff’s Dept. -Coroner County Officials -Sheriff Chief law enforcement officer Runs jail and Sheriff’s Dept. -Coroner Declares deaths, works on crime scenes -Clerk -Register of Deeds County records/ownership papers -District Attorney Represents the county in court Prosecutor for the county   Register of Deeds The Register of Deeds is Alamance County's elected official custodian and manager of public records. Assuring public record integrity and accessibility is an important public function. A number of North Carolina General Statutes directly affect record maintenance and access. The Alamance County Register of Deeds records a variety of real property documents including deeds, deeds of trust, maps and others. The Vital Records Division maintains Alamance County birth records, death records, marriage licenses issued by Harnett County, and Military Discharges when filed with the County.

County Services -Pass laws and regulations ordinances--Term for local laws—also referred to as blue laws in some areas All paid for with some money from the state, but mostly county taxes -law enforcement -fire services -recreation -sanitation -education -planning -transportation -health -welfare

City Governments -get powers from a charter given by the state (must have permission to form) -Incorporation-- Official recognition from the state of a local government’s power (want services for citizens) -Annexation-- the addition of more land into a city or town (by choice or force - to provide services)

City Governments -Usually one of two major types of city governments -Mayor-Council Form (power divided) -Strong Mayor System -Weak Mayor System Mayor’s power limited by city council -Council-Manager System -elected Council hires professional to run gov’t (called a manager)

City Officials -Mayor Elected chief executive of the city who is responsible for overseeing city government -Council (city’s legislature) -Alderman Pass ordinances to regulate city -Manager Professional manager with full responsibility of government Appointed by city council

City Services -Can face more serious problems in urban areas Cities have more people More problems, more services (sometimes more taxes) -Same types of services Paid for with extra city taxes and user fees -law enforcement -fire services -recreation -sanitation -education -planning -transportation -health Public works include cleaning, repairing, and maintaining city streets and sewers. We also coordinate street excavation work; enforce litter laws; and remove graffiti and illegal signs. We regulate street and sidewalk use while enhancing and protecting the public right-of-way; and provide architectural, civil, structural, and mechanical engineering services, including project and construction management. Our staff work to bring these services to the citizens of Angier all year long.